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. 2021 Jul 6;11(16):8008–8026. doi: 10.7150/thno.61832

Figure 5.

Figure 5

Key proteins and metabolites specifically altered in COVID-19-children. In this model, the plasma proteins involved in coagulation cascade were significantly higher expressed in COVID-19-children compared with COVID-19-adults, suggesting COVID-19-associated coagulation and the accompanying immune response/inflammation in COVID-19-children may be strongly active. On the other hand, the levels of many negative regulators of inflammation and oxidation, such as MMA, TRP, IAAld, DHOA, mannitol and UA in COVID-19-children were also significantly up-regulated compared with those in COVID-19-adults, indicating an antagonistic effect. Thus, the immune system in COVID-19-children is in a relatively balanced state, in which its activation is stronger than that of COVID-19-adults and is sufficient to restrict SARS-CoV-2 infection, as well as the collateral damages. Meanwhile, the molecules involved in anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory processes were also strongly activated in COVID-19-children, thereby preventing the exacerbation of inflammation and the deterioration of disease. CC, COVID-19-children; AC, COVID-19-adults.