Potential antigenic cross-reactivity between SARS-CoV-2 and human tissue with a possible link to an increase in autoimmune diseases

Molecular mimicry between SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein and mammalian proteomes: implications for the vaccine

“…Accordingly, lungs and airways dysfunctions associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection might be explained by the sharing of peptides between SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein and alveolar lung surfactant proteins [2]. In support of this thesis, additional reports [5][6][7][8] highlight molecular mimicry and cross-reactivity as capable of explaining the SARS-CoV diseases. Of special interest, crossreactive T cell recognition between circulating "common cold" coronaviruses and SARS-CoV-2 has been also suggested [9].…”

Do COVID-19 RNA-based vaccines put at risk of immune-mediated diseases? In reply to “potential antigenic cross-reactivity between SARS-CoV-2 and human tissue with a possible link to an increase in autoimmune diseases”

“…immunological and serological abnormalities in absence of clinical symptoms, familiarity for immune-mediated diseases) to autoimmune or autoinflammatory disorders should be carefully evaluated for the benefits and risks of COVID-19 mRNA vaccination. According to epidemiological data, these subjects may develop the infection asymptomatically or pauci-symptomatically and it is worth noting that, in line with the article of Vojdani et al [ 1 ], the presence of autoreactive cells and autoantibodies cross-reacting against SARS-CoV-2 epitopes may even turn naturally protective towards the infection. Until proven otherwise, the administration of a nucleic acid vaccine may instead put these individuals at risk of unwanted immunological side effects by either sensitizing the PRRs or generating cross-reactive cell clones and antibodies.…”

“…I read with great interest the article by Vojdani et al [ 1 ], concerning the hypothesis of a molecular mimicry mechanism between the nucleoprotein/spike protein of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and self-antigens. Viruses are notoriously involved in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases [ 2 ], and the authors reasonably conclude that such a cross-reactivity might lead to the development of immune-mediated disorders in COronaVirus Disease-19 (COVID-19) patients in the long term.…”

Autoinflammatory and autoimmune conditions at the crossroad of COVID-19

“…Kanduc et al [176], found that SARS-CoV-2 shared pentapeptides with pulmonary surfactant and related proteins that may account for autoimmune directed pulmonary damage. Moreover, a recent report has shown that SARS-CoV-2 spike protein antibody and tissue proteins such as transglutaminase 3, transglutaminase 2, ENA, myelin basic protein, mitochondria, nuclear antigen, α-myosin, thyroid peroxidase, collagen, claudin 5 + 6, and S100B have strong immune cross-reactions [177]. This may suggest that autoimmunity via molecular mimicry in susceptible individuals is likely and could explain some autoimmune-like manifestations encountered in COVID-19 patients.…”