IL-10 suppresses T cell expansion while promoting tissue-resident memory cell formation during SARS-CoV-2 infection in rhesus macaques

The pro- and anti-inflammatory pathways that determine the balance of inflammation and viral control during SARS-CoV-2 infection are not well understood. Here we examine the roles of IFNγ and IL-10 in regulating inflammation, immune cell responses and viral replication during SARS-CoV-2 infection of rhesus macaques. IFNγ blockade tended to decrease lung inflammation based on 18FDG-PET/CT imaging but had no major impact on innate lymphocytes, neutralizing antibodies, or antigen-specific T cells. In contrast, IL-10 blockade transiently increased lung inflammation and enhanced accumulation of virus-specific T cells in the lower airways. However, IL-10 blockade also inhibited the differentiation of virus-specific T cells into airway CD69+CD103+ TRM cells. While virus-specific T cells were undetectable in the nasal mucosa of all groups, IL-10 blockade similarly reduced the frequency of total TRM cells in the nasal mucosa. Neither cytokine blockade substantially affected viral load and infection ultimately resolved. Thus, in the macaque model of mild COVID-19, the pro- and anti-inflammatory effects of IFNγ and IL-10 have no major role in control of viral replication. However, IL-10 has a key role in suppressing the accumulation of SARS-CoV-2-specific T cells in the lower airways, while also promoting TRM at respiratory mucosal surfaces.