Long COVID inflicts deep scars on the lungs, but targeting specific immune cells could reverse damage − new research in mice

Many respiratory viral infections can cause long-term symptoms. sbk_20d pictures/Moment via Getty Images

The long-term effects of respiratory viral infections such as COVID-19 are a major public health burden. Some estimates suggest over 65 million people around the world suffer from long COVID-19.

Efforts to better understand this condition, however, have been hampered by its ability to affect multiple organ systems, such as those involving the lungs, brain and heart. This is further complicated by the lack of animal models that can sufficiently mimic the disease.