Project 466651

SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) causes the disease known as COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019). Currently, the long-term outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 infection are poorly understood, such as the mechanisms of the prolonged multiorgan condition Long COVID and the length of immune durability. Here I will explore the multiorgan damage and memory responses following SARS-CoV-2 infection over one year in a preclinical model and in humans. The work aims to define the causes of Long COVID and the duration of immune protection. Syrian hamsters will be infected with SARS-CoV-2 and monitored over one year, with tissues collected throughout to evaluate virus levels, tissue damage, and protective adaptive immune responses. Hamsters will also undergo cognitive tests to potentially model ;brain fog and loss of smell experienced in humans. To determine the level of immune protection over time, a subset of hamsters will be re-challenged with SARS-CoV-2 at 3-months, 6-months, and 12-months. Finally, the findings from preclinical studies will be extrapolated to the human condition by complementary analysis of Long COVID sufferers in Saskatchewan using a mobile app. Working with a multi-disciplinary team, we will investigate the prevalence of Long COVID in Saskatchewan, symptom types and duration, susceptibility, and healthcare burden to inform the establishment of support services and the design of future studies. This research will describe the Long COVID clinical picture in Saskatchewan and a preclinical model to test potential therapeutics. Additionally, the immune analysis will inform future vaccine design and regimens. Together, the results will work to improve patient quality of life and reduce the immense burden COVID-19 has on public health.