Title : TTV-virome analysis for predicting immune dysfunction and clinical outcomes in COPD patients
Abstract:
Introduction:
Torquetenovirus (TTV), the main representative of the Anelloviridae family, is a non-pathogenic virus whose blood viral load reflects immune competence. Elevated TTV levels (≥ 4 log10 copies/mL) have been associated with immunosuppression, clinical frailty, and poor outcomes in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This study investigated the role of TTV viremia as a potential biomarker of immune status and prognosis in COPD.
Methods: Serum samples from 102 COPD patients were analyzed for TTV load by real-time PCR. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were subjected to immunophenotypic analysis of T lymphocyte subsets (CD3, CD4, CD8, and regulatory T cells [CD25+ CD127–]). Statistical analyses included Fisher’s exact test, Mann– Whitney test, and Spearman’s rho coefficient (SPSS v23).
Results:
TTV viremia > 4 log10 copies/mL was detected in 62.75% of patients. Higher TTV load was significantly associated with reduced CD3+, CD4+, and Treg lymphocytes and with lower 5-year survival probability, likely related to Treg depletion.
Conclusions:
COPD patients with TTV levels ≥ 4 log10 copies/mL showed impaired immune function and reduced survival. TTV viremia may represent a novel biomarker of poor prognosis in COPD and could contribute to the development of personalized rehabilitation strategies based on immune status.
