“Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children”-Like Disease after COVID-19 Vaccination (MIS-V) with Potential Significance of Functional Active Autoantibodies Targeting G-Protein-Coupled Receptors (GPCR-fAAb) for Pathophysiology and Therapy

Abstract

Background: An infection with SARS-CoV-2 can trigger a systemic disorder by pathological autoimmune processes. A certain type of this dysregulation is known as Multisystemic inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C). However, similar symptoms may occur and have been described as Multisystemic inflammatory syndrome after SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination (MIS-V) following vaccination against SARS-CoV-2. We report the case of a 12-year-old boy who was identified with MIS-C symptoms without previous SARS-CoV-2 infection after receiving two doses of the Pfizer–BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine approximately one month prior to the onset of symptoms. He showed polyserositis, severe gastrointestinal symptoms and, consequently, a manifestation of a multiorgan failure. IgG antibodies against spike proteins of SARS-CoV-2 were detected, indicating a successful vaccination, while SARS-CoV-2 Nucleocapsid protein antibodies and SARS-CoV-2 PCR were not detected. Several functional, active autoantibodies against G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCR-fAAb), previously associated with Long COVID disease, were detected in a cardiomyocyte bioassay. Immunosuppression with steroids was initiated. Due to side effects, treatment with steroids and later interleukin 1 receptor antagonists had to be terminated. Instead, immunoadsorption was performed and continued with tacrolimus and mycophenolic acid therapy, leading to improvement and discharge after 79 days. GPCR-fAAb decreased during therapy and remained negative after clinical curing and under continued immunosuppressive therapy with tacrolimus and mycophenolic acid. Follow-up of the patient showed him in good condition after one year. Conclusions: Infection with SARS-CoV-2 shows a broad and severe variety of symptoms, partly due to autoimmune dysregulation, which, in some instances, can lead to multiorgan failure. Despite its rarity, post-vaccine MIS-C-like disease may develop into a serious condition triggered by autoimmune dysregulation. The evidence of circulating GPCR-fAAb and their disappearance after therapy suggests a link of GPCR-fAAb to the clinical manifestations. Thus, we hypothesize a potential role of GPCR-fAAb in pathophysiology and their potential importance for the therapy of MIS-C or MIS-V. However, this observation needs further investigation to prove a causative correlation.