ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Memory CD8+ T cells are essential for long-term immune protection in viral infections, including COVID-19. METHODS: This study examined the responses of CD8+ TEM, TEMRA, and TCM subsets from unvaccinated individuals who had recovered from mild and severe COVID-19 by flow cytometry. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The peptides triggered a higher frequency of CD8+ TCM cells in the recovered mild group. CD8+ TCM and TEM cells showed heterogeneity in CD137 expression between evaluated groups. In addition, a predominance of CD137 expression in naïve CD8+ T cells, TCM, and TEM was observed in the mild recovered group when stimulated with peptides. Furthermore, CD8+ TCM and TEM cell subsets from mild recovered volunteers had higher TNF-α expression. In contrast, the expression partner of IFN-γ, IL-10, and IL-17 indicated an antiviral signature by CD8+ TEMRA cells. These findings underscore the distinct functional capabilities of each memory T cell subset in individuals who have recovered from COVID-19 upon re-exposure to SARS-CoV-2 antigens.