Severe SARS-CoV-2 infections are frequently associated with the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), which leads to a mortality of 30-40%. An altered type I interferon (IFN) response has been demonstrated in patients with severe COVID-19, together with a high viral load.

The aim of the current work is, in a large cohort of patients with severe COVID-19 admitted in the ICU, to determine the prevalence of patients with positive anti-IFN antibodies and to determine their outcome, as compared to patients having negative anti-IFN antibodies.

Severe SARS-CoV-2 infections are frequently associated with the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), which leads to a mortality of 30-40%. An altered type I interferon (IFN) response has been demonstrated in patients with severe COVID-19, together with a high viral load. A recent study revealed that 10% of patients admitted in the intensive care unit (ICU) for severe COVID-19 had positive type I anti-IFN antibodies. Such finding has potentially important therapeutic implications, as patients having positive anti-IFN antibodies could benefit from targeted interventions, including plasmapheresis. The aim of the current work is, in a large cohort of patients with severe COVID-19 admitted in the ICU, to determine the prevalence of patients with positive anti-IFN antibodies and to determine their outcome, as compared to patients having negative anti-IFN antibodies.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age ≥ 18 years
• SARS-CoV-2 infection with a positive PCR
• Patient admitted in the ICU for acute respiratory failure (SpO2≤90% and need for supplemental oxygen or any kind of ventilator support)
• Patient or next of keen was informed of study inclusion

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patient with SARS-CoV-infection but no acute respiratory failure

Patients with proven SARS-CoV-2 infection and acute respiratory failure admitted in the intensive care unit