Is post-COVID syndrome an autoimmune disease?

Juan Manuel Anaya, María Herrán, Santiago Beltrán, Manuel Rojas

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch Articlepeer-review

21 Scopus citations

Abstract

Introduction: Post-COVID syndrome (PCS) is recognized as a new entity in the context of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Though its pathogenesis is not completely understood, persistent inflammation from acute illness and the development of autoimmunity play a critical role in its development. Areas covered: The mechanisms involved in the emergence of PCS, their similarities with post-viral and post-care syndromes, its inclusion in the spectrum of autoimmunity and possible targets for its treatment. Expert opinion: An autoimmune phenomenon plays a major role in most causative theories explaining PCS. There is a need for both PCS definition and classification criteria (including severity scores). Longitudinal and controlled studies are necessary to better understand this new entity, and to find what additional factors participate into its development. With the high prevalence of COVID-19 cases worldwide, together with the current evidence on latent autoimmunity in PCS, we may observe an increase of autoimmune diseases (ADs) in the coming years. Vaccination’s effect on the development of PCS and ADs will also receive attention in the future. Health and social care services need to develop a new framework to deal with PCS.

Translated title of the contribution¿Es el síndrome post-COVID una enfermedad autoinmune?
Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)653-666
Number of pages14
JournalExpert Review of Clinical Immunology
Volume18
Issue number7
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 14 2022

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Immunology and Allergy
  • Immunology

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