RECoVERED

As the rapid and unprecedented global spread of COVID-19 is disrupting society worldwide, there is an urgent need to address essential knowledge gaps for optimal clinical and public health management. Important gaps in clinical and pathophysiological knowledge can only be answered through close follow-up of individuals following SARS-CoV-2 infection at a range of disease severities. We will establish a cohort of 300 individuals suffering from different levels of disease severity, ranging from mild illness in community-dwelling individuals to life-threatening illness requiring hospitalization, and follow them at regular intervals for a maximum of 9 months. Using data and biological specimens from this cohort we will (1) identify clinical, virological and/or host factors/response markers predictive of disease progression, (2) determine the kinetics, persistence and protective capacity of SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies during and following COVID-19 at different levels of disease severity, (3) evaluate characteristics of B and T cell subsets characteristics associated with development of potent neutralizing antibodies, and (4) assess mid- and long term sequelae of COVID-19 and their determinants with respect to morbidity and mortality, pulmonary function, quality of life and psycho-social wellbeing. In addition, a data- and biobank will be established for future, in-depth pathophysiological, immunological, host-genetic and further clinical and epidemiologic studies. Outcomes of this study will help to guide interventions to prevent spread and reduce the severity of illness.