Promising Biomarker Detects Lingering Lung Damage After COVID-19 - UK Study in EBioMedicine

A groundbreaking UK study published in EBioMedicine has identified promising biomarkers in the blood that can detect lingering lung damage months after severe COVID-19 hospitalization. This discovery offers hope for better diagnosis and management of long COVID respiratory symptoms, affecting millions worldwide. Researchers from the University of Leicester, Imperial College London, and University College London analyzed blood samples from nearly 1,000 patients as part of the large-scale PHOSP-COVID initiative. Their findings reveal elevated levels of specific proteins signaling ongoing damage to the lung's epithelial lining—the critical barrier that protects against inhaled particles, produces mucus, and kickstarts immune responses.

Residual lung abnormality (RLA), characterized by ground-glass opacities and reticular patterns on computed tomography (CT) scans, persists in a significant portion of survivors. In this cohort, up to 77% of those who underwent follow-up imaging showed RLA covering at least 10% of their lungs, even five months post-discharge. These changes correlate with breathlessness, fatigue, and reduced lung function, hallmarks of long COVID. The study's blood-based approach could enable simple, non-invasive tests to identify at-risk individuals early, potentially transforming how clinicians monitor and treat post-COVID lung fibrosis.

The research underscores the persistent nature of COVID-19's impact on the respiratory system. While acute infection resolves for most, a subset experiences chronic issues due to epithelial injury and pro-fibrotic signaling. This epithelial damage disrupts normal gas exchange and lung elasticity, leading to restrictive patterns where lungs cannot fully expand. By pinpointing biomarkers like matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7) and Krebs von den Lungen-6 (KL-6), the team provides a window into these hidden processes, paving the way for targeted interventions.

For patients grappling with unexplained shortness of breath, this means potential relief through routine screening. Healthcare providers could use these markers to stratify risk, recommend lifestyle adjustments like pulmonary rehabilitation, or enroll suitable candidates in clinical trials for anti-fibrotic drugs. The study's implications extend beyond clinical care, highlighting the value of collaborative, multi-center research in unraveling pandemic aftereffects.

🫁 What is Residual Lung Abnormality (RLA) in Post-COVID Patients?

Residual lung abnormality refers to lasting structural changes visible on high-resolution CT scans after acute COVID-19 resolves. These include ground-glass opacities (GGO)—hazy areas indicating inflammation or partial filling of airspaces—and reticulation, fine networks suggesting fibrosis or scarring. In the study, RLA was defined as combined GGO and reticulation affecting 10% or more of lung tissue, assessed blindly by expert radiologists.

Prevalence is notable: among 111 scanned participants, 85 (77%) met RLA criteria, with median involvement around 20-30% in affected lobes. Without scans, researchers classified 'at-risk' status using low diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO below 80% predicted) or abnormal chest X-rays, identifying 12% of 846 un-scanned patients. This at-risk group mirrored CT-confirmed RLA in biomarker elevations, suggesting subclinical injury even without imaging.

RLA contributes to restrictive lung physiology, where total lung capacity drops, and patients feel perpetually winded during exertion. Unlike acute pneumonia, these changes persist beyond three months, potentially evolving into interstitial lung disease (ILD). Factors like severe admission (requiring CPAP or invasive mechanical ventilation) heighten risk, but biomarkers proved independent predictors, adjusting for age, sex, and illness severity.

Understanding RLA is crucial for long COVID management. It explains why spirometry shows reduced forced vital capacity (FVC) and why exercise tolerance lags. Early detection via blood tests could prompt interventions like oxygen therapy or rehab, preventing progression to chronic respiratory failure.

The PHOSP-COVID Study: Design, Scale, and Methodology

The PHOSP-COVID study, funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), tracks over 1,000 hospitalized COVID-19 survivors from 36 UK centers. This analysis drew from the Tier 2 cohort at median five months post-discharge, focusing on plasma biomarkers of epithelial injury. Participants, mean age 57-58 years and mostly female (63%), were excluded if pre-existing ILD or fibrosis was noted.

Blood was assayed for four key markers using sensitive immunoassays: KL-6 (range 10-6000 U/mL), MMP-7 (0.09-100 ng/mL), SP-D (0.02-100 ng/mL), and SP-A (1-1000 ng/mL). Levels were z-standardized for comparison. Spatial transcriptomics and immunohistochemistry on COVID-19 lung tissues (9 cases vs. 3 controls) confirmed epithelial expression, with MMP-7 protein notably upregulated.

• Primary analysis: Biomarker differences in at-risk vs. low-risk (no CT group).
• Replication: RLA ≥10% vs. <10% (CT group).
• Secondary: Associations with GGO/reticulation extent, adjusted models.

Statistical rigor included t-tests, linear regressions, and area under receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curves. Adding MMP-7 and KL-6 improved RLA prediction from AUROC 0.63 to 0.70 in at-risk and 0.80 to 0.84 in CT groups. This large sample and internal validation strengthen reliability.

The methodology's strength lies in its real-world applicability—blood draws at routine follow-up, no need for immediate CT radiation exposure. For academics interested in such cohorts, opportunities abound in research jobs at institutions like Leicester and Imperial.

🔬 Breakthrough Biomarkers: MMP-7, KL-6, SP-D, and SP-A Explained

These proteins leak into circulation when lung epithelial cells—type I/II pneumocytes and club cells—are injured. Here's a breakdown:

• MMP-7 (Matrix Metalloproteinase-7): A pro-fibrotic enzyme degrading extracellular matrix, elevated in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Z-score 0.39 (at-risk) vs. -0.07 (low-risk, p=0.0001); 0.32 SD higher in RLA ≥10% (p<0.0001). Linked to 3.58% more reticulation per z-score.
• KL-6 (Krebs von den Lungen-6): Glycoprotein from damaged type II cells, established IPF monitor. Z-score 0.45 vs. -0.04 (p=0.0003); higher in RLA (p=0.0032), 4.80% reticulation association.
• SP-D (Surfactant Protein D): Defends against pathogens, rises in injury. Elevated at-risk (p=0.0001), tied to 3.22% reticulation (p=0.002), but not overall RLA extent.
• SP-A (Surfactant Protein A): Similar innate immunity role, 3.03% reticulation link (p=0.009).

All were higher in at-risk groups, with MMP-7/KL-6 most discriminative. Tissue validation showed upregulated genes (SFTPA1, SFTPD, MMP7, MUC1) in COVID epithelia, confirming origin.

These aren't unique to COVID but their post-acute persistence flags ongoing repair/fibrosis imbalance. Patients with breathlessness should discuss testing; levels guide if CT or rehab is warranted.

Read the full study for details: EBioMedicine publication.

Implications for Long COVID: From Symptoms to Screening

Long COVID affects 10-30% of hospitalized patients, with dyspnea in half. RLA explains restrictive deficits (low FVC/DLCO), fatigue from inefficiency. Biomarkers correlate independently, offering prognostic value.

Actionable steps:

• Monitor symptoms 3+ months post-infection.
• Request blood panels if DLCO low or X-ray abnormal.
• Pursue rehab: breathing exercises, walking programs improve capacity 20-30%.
• Anti-inflammatories or nintedanib trials for high-risk.

For higher education, this fuels clinical research jobs, training future pulmonologists via postdoc positions.

PHOSP-COVID site: PHOSP-COVID. Leicester news: University of Leicester.

Expert Voices: Quotes from Lead Researchers

Dr. Rachael Evans (University of Leicester): “The biomarkers tell us there is damage to this lining, contributing to ongoing symptoms and restrictive lung function in some people with long COVID. These findings could pave the way for simple blood tests.”

Dr. Iain Stewart (Imperial): “Uncovering signs of ongoing lung damage... finding reliable markers is crucial.”

Prof. Louise Wain (Leicester): “Another step forward in identifying causes of ongoing symptoms.”

Prof. Gisli Jenkins (Imperial): “Possibility of using a blood test to identify people at increased risk of chronic lung disease.”

Prof. Rachel Chambers (UCL): “Exciting step forward in identifying reliable markers.”

These insights emphasize clinical translation potential.

Future Directions: Treatments and Research Horizons

While no cure yet, biomarkers enable trials of pirfenidone or nintedanib—IPF drugs slowing fibrosis. Longitudinal tracking could predict progression; non-hospitalized long COVID needs study.

External validation and temporal dynamics are next. This advances precision medicine, linking injury to fibrosis.

Academics: Explore postdoctoral success in respiratory research at top UK unis via UniJobs.

Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash

Wrapping Up: Empowering Recovery and Careers

This EBioMedicine study illuminates post-COVID lung damage mechanisms, offering blood tests for early detection. Patients, consult pulmonologists; share experiences on Rate My Professor. Researchers, browse higher ed jobs, research jobs, or university jobs. For career advice, visit higher ed career advice. Stay informed and proactive.