Long-read single-cell RNA sequencing uncovers cell-type specific transcript regulation in COVID-19

SARS-CoV-2 infection leads to extensive host transcriptomic changes, but the role of alternative splicing in shaping the immune response remains underexplored. Here, we present the first application of long-read single-cell RNA sequencing on nasopharyngeal swabs from COVID-19 patients and healthy controls to resolve transcript-level changes across cell types. Leveraging the strengths of long-read sequencing, we characterize alterations in both gene and isoform expression within cell populations of the upper respiratory tract—the primary site of SARS-CoV-2 entry. This approach provides new insights into how transcriptional regulation and splicing shape host immune responses to viral infection.

• Type: Transcriptome Analysis
• Archiver: European Genome-Phenome Archive (EGA)