Coronavirus-induced autoimmunity

Abstract

The pandemic of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by a new severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has spotlighted the link between viral infection and autoimmunity. In this review, we focus on coronavirus-induced autoimmunity based on evidence from experimental animal models, SARS-CoV infection with in vitro studies of molecular mimicry and COVID-19 with several clinical reports of autoimmune manifestations of this disease. Further studies will be needed to better characterize the role of SARS-CoV-2 in the development of autoimmunity.

Demyelination as a result of an immune response in patients with COVID-19

“…These signals are capable of attracting macrophages, NK, mast cells, and, etc., which eventually may release reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS). Another mechanism is spontaneous or provoked autoimmune reactions and the generation of auto-antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 virus of virus-induced inflammatory cytokines, the presentation of cryptic antigens, poly-clonal B cell activation, and viral superantigens [75,76]. The studies indicated the presence of high-level IgA and IgG antibodies (antineuronal antibodies) in the CSF and serum of patients, demonstrating that these antibodies can reach the brain [77,78].…”

Antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) detected by indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) method in acute COVID-19 infection; future roadmap for laboratory diagnosis

“…The SARS-CoV-2-associated disease, has been named coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and has reached over 200 million cases worldwide ( Zhou et al, 2020b ; Gorbalenya et al, 2020 ; “WHO Coronavirus (COVID-19) Dashboard”, 2021 ). In this devastating disease, immunological manifestations such as Kawasaki-like syndrome, Guillain Barre syndrome and immune thrombocytopenic purpura are observed in addition to the inflammatory response associated with sepsis, coagulopathy, multi organ failure and cytokine storm syndrome ( Ehrenfeld et al, 2020 ; Günther et al, 2020 ; Vojdani and Kharrazian, 2020 ; Salle, 2021 ). Viral pathogens are known to be one of the most common exogenous factors that can trigger autoimmunity.…”

Concomitant autoimmune hemolytic anemia and pulmonary embolism associated with mild COVID‐19: A case report

“…Subsequently, a new hypothesis suggests that molecular mimicry between Ankyrin 1 (an erythrocyte membrane protein) and Spike protein (SARS‐CoV‐2 surface glycoprotein) could be the culprit in AIHA development in COVID‐19 patients. 9 , 10 The evidence for the treatment of COVID‐19‐related AIHA is scarce and based mainly on the reported cases, although glucocorticoid therapy has been shown to be very effective and most of the cases improved dramatically after commencing glucocorticoid therapy. 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 …”