Researchers Identify Blood Biomarkers Linked to Long COVID Symptoms
A groundbreaking study from Karolinska Institutet, Sweden, and Cardiff University, UK, published in Nature Immunology, has identified specific blood biomarkers associated with Long COVID, particularly severe respiratory disorders. The findings, published in Nature Immunology, could pave the way for new diagnostic tools and targeted therapies for the condition.
"These proteins are linked to inflammatory pathways involved in cell death and lung damage, commonly seen in severe pulmonary disorders," explained Dr. Marcus Buggert, docent at Karolinska Institutet. The researchers discovered that elevated protein levels were mainly found in patients with Long COVID experiencing severe breathlessness, a hallmark symptom.
The study analyzed blood samples from 265 patients who contracted COVID-19 early in the pandemic. Unlike those who had recovered without Long COVID, the affected individuals exhibited a distinct biomarker pattern. The research also utilized advanced techniques, including flow cytometry, to analyze immune responses and protein levels.
"The identification of these biomarkers provides a foundation for developing diagnostic tools and new treatments for Long COVID," Dr. Buggert said.
Future research will focus on understanding the biological processes behind these biomarkers, particularly by examining lung and gastrointestinal tissue, to explore if lingering inflammation or damage is present. The study was funded by several institutions, including the Swedish Research Council and Karolinska Institutet.
References: Gao, Y., et al. (2025). Identification of soluble biomarkers that associate with distinct manifestations of long COVID. Nature Immunology. doi.org/10.1038/s41590-025-02135-5.
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