Risk surveillance and mitigation: autoantibodies as triggers and inhibitors of severe reactions to SARS-CoV-2 infection

Mol Med. 2021 Dec 20;27(1):160. doi: 10.1186/s10020-021-00422-z.

Abstract

COVID-19 clinical presentation differs considerably between individuals, ranging from asymptomatic, mild/moderate and severe disease which in some cases are fatal or result in long-term effects. Identifying immune mechanisms behind severe disease development informs screening strategies to predict who are at greater risk of developing life-threatening complications. However, to date clear prognostic indicators of individual risk of severe or long COVID remain elusive. Autoantibodies recognize a range of self-antigens and upon antigen recognition and binding, important processes involved in inflammation, pathogen defence and coagulation are modified. Recent studies report a significantly higher prevalence of autoantibodies that target immunomodulatory proteins including cytokines, chemokines, complement components, and cell surface proteins in COVID-19 patients experiencing severe disease compared to those who experience mild or asymptomatic infections. Here we discuss the diverse impacts of autoantibodies on immune processes and associations with severe COVID-19 disease.

Keywords: Autoantibodies; Autoimmunity; COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Autoantibodies / immunology*
  • Autoantibodies / metabolism*
  • Autoimmunity / physiology
  • COVID-19 / complications*
  • COVID-19 / immunology*
  • COVID-19 / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome
  • SARS-CoV-2 / immunology*
  • SARS-CoV-2 / metabolism

Substances

  • Autoantibodies