SARS-CoV-2 damages lung immune cells, hindering recovery

Researchers have found that SARS-CoV-2 infections can damage immune cells in the lungs, hindering their ability to repair lung tissue. This discovery may help explain long COVID symptoms and points to a potential treatment. The study revealed that severe lung infections damage peroxisomes in macrophages, immune cells crucial for fighting infections and repairing tissue. A drug called sodium phenylbutyrate can enhance the function of these damaged peroxisomes. While further research is needed, the findings suggest that targeting peroxisomes could lead to new therapies for long COVID and other lung issues. Scientists are collaborating with clinicians to explore this connection further.