Evidence for Molecular Mimicry between SARS‐CoV‐2 and Human Antigens: Implications for Autoimmunity in COVID‐19
Autoimmune Diseases,
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
2024(1)
Published: Jan. 1, 2024
As
for
other
viral
diseases,
the
mechanisms
behind
apparent
relationship
between
COVID‐19
and
autoimmunity
are
yet
to
be
clearly
defined.
Molecular
mimicry,
existence
of
sequence
and/or
conformational
homology
human
antigens,
could
an
important
contributing
factor.
Here,
we
review
accumulated
evidence
supporting
occurrence
mimicry
SARS‐CoV‐2
proteins.
Both
bioinformatic
approaches
antibody
cross‐reactions
have
yielded
a
significant
magnitude
events,
far
more
common
than
expected
happen
by
chance.
The
clinical
implication
this
phenomenon
is
ample
since
many
identified
antigens
may
participate
in
pathophysiology
or
targets
autoimmune
diseases.
Thus,
related
partially
explained
molecular
further
research
designed
specifically
address
possibility
needed.
Language: Английский
Post-COVID-19 Small Fiber Neuropathy as a New Emerging Quality of Life-Threatening Disease: A Systematic Review
Microorganisms,
Journal Year:
2025,
Volume and Issue:
13(2), P. 328 - 328
Published: Feb. 2, 2025
Post-acute
sequelae
of
COVID-19
(PASC)
syndrome
is
considered
an
emergent
and
diffuse
multidisciplinary
problem.
Compelling
evidence
suggests
that
increases
symptoms
pre-existent
small
fiber
neuropathy
(SFN)
might
trigger
de
novo
onset
SFN.
In
this
systematic
review,
for
the
first
time,
we
provide
a
comprehensive
overview
clinical
diagnostic
features
PASC-SFN,
including
accompanying
disorders,
disease
evolution,
possible
treatments,
described
in
recent
literature.
Following
infection,
many
patients
reported
wide
range
complications,
not
self-limiting
independent
from
previous
infection
severity.
SFN
begins
more
frequently
with
distal
limb
burning
pain
numbness,
which
accompany
other
dysautonomia,
cognitive,
visual,
osteoarticular
disorders
involving
multiple
organ
systems.
initial
suspicion,
some
tests
be
useful
as
complementary
examinations,
such
nerve
quantitative
sensory
testing,
electromyography,
optic
tomography.
Otherwise,
definite
diagnosis
reached
skin
biopsy
gold
standard,
along
corneal
vivo
microscopy
when
ocular
discomfort
present.
Being
long-term
condition,
dissimilar
symptomatic
disease-modifying
drugs
were
employed
treatment
condition
achievement
partial
results,
steroids,
pregabalin,
gabapentin,
duloxetine,
vitamins,
homotaurine
phosphatidylserine,
alpha
lipoic
acid,
immunosuppressants,
intravenous
immunoglobulin
therapy.
PASC-SFN
complex
emerging
extremely
challenging
physicians.
At
present,
only
feasible
management
represented
by
tailored
approach,
future
definitive
protocols
deemed
essential.
Language: Английский
Post-COVID-19 and Post-COVID-19 Vaccine Arthritis, Polymyalgia Rheumatica and Horton’s Arteritis: A Single-Center Assessment of Clinical, Serological, Genetic, and Ultrasonographic Biomarkers
Journal of Clinical Medicine,
Journal Year:
2023,
Volume and Issue:
12(24), P. 7563 - 7563
Published: Dec. 8, 2023
The
potential
role
of
the
COVID-19
vaccine
and
infection
to
induce
autoimmunity
is
currently
underestimated
despite
literature
emphasizing
arthralgia
as
a
common
adverse
event.
We
aimed
study
impact
rheumatological
complications
post-COVID-19
(PC)
(PCV),
comparing
undifferentiated
arthritis
(UA)
Polymyalgia
Rheumatica,
Horton's
Arteritis
(PMR-HA)
isolated
UA
with
"connective-like"
accompanying
symptoms.
retrospectively
included
109
patients
at
least
6
months
follow-up,
analyzing
serum
biomarkers,
joint
ultrasound
(US),
lung
HRCT,
DLCO,
HLA
haplotypes.
There
were
87
showing
increased
gastrointestinal
involvement
(p
=
0.021
p
0.012),
higher
anti-spike
protein
IgG
levels
0.003),
anti-SARS-CoV-2
positivity
0.003).
Among
them,
66
cases
progressed
ACR-EULAR
2010
early
after
3
months,
whereas
PMR-HA
more
commonly
PCV
(81.8%,
0.008),
demonstrating
CRP
0.007)
ESR
0.006)
levels,
lower
rate
ANA
0.005),
remission
six
0.050).
In
patients,
prevalent
was
DRB1*11
C*07
(36.8%
42.1%).
Serum
calprotectin,
interleukin-6,
0.021,
0.041,
0.018)
seemed
specific
for
UA.
Conversely,
showed
poorer
DLCO
0.041)
frequent
US
synovitis
0.041).
conclusion,
PC
complication
may
persist
over
time
when
compared
PMR-HA.
Language: Английский
New-onset Immune-mediated Necrotizing Myopathy and Trigeminal Neuropathy after SARS-CoV-2 mRNA Vaccination in a Patient with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Sjögren's Syndrome
Internal Medicine,
Journal Year:
2023,
Volume and Issue:
62(24), P. 3699 - 3706
Published: Oct. 12, 2023
We
present
the
case
of
a
42-year-old
woman
with
rheumatoid
arthritis
and
Sjögren's
syndrome
treated
adalimumab
who
developed
immune-mediated
necrotizing
myopathy
(IMNM)
trigeminal
neuropathy
after
SARS-CoV-2
mRNA
vaccination.
Trigeminal
neuralgia
elevated
serum
creatine
kinase
levels
emerged
12
days
post-vaccination,
followed
by
myalgia
in
femoral
muscles.
IMNM
was
histologically
diagnosed.
The
pathogenesis
may
involve
molecular
mimicry
between
spike
glycoprotein
autologous
tissues
triggered
This
emphasizes
association
vaccination,
tumor
necrosis
factor
inhibitor,
IMNM,
neuropathy,
as
well
importance
monitoring
adverse
events
following
vaccination
patients
autoimmune
disease.
Language: Английский
Hypocortisolemic ASIA: a vaccine- and chronic infection-induced syndrome behind the origin of long COVID and myalgic encephalomyelitis
Frontiers in Immunology,
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
15
Published: July 9, 2024
Myalgic
encephalomyelitis
or
chronic
fatigue
syndrome
(ME/CFS),
long
COVID
(LC)
and
post-COVID-19
vaccine
show
similarities
in
their
pathophysiology
clinical
manifestations.
These
disorders
are
related
to
viral
adjuvant
persistence,
immunological
alterations,
autoimmune
diseases
hormonal
imbalances.
A
developmental
model
is
postulated
that
involves
the
interaction
between
immune
hyperactivation,
hypophysitis
pituitary
hypophysitis,
depletion.
This
process
might
begin
with
a
deficient
CD4
T-cell
response
infections
genetically
predisposed
individuals
(HLA-DRB1),
followed
by
an
uncontrolled
CD8
hyperactivation
elevated
antibody
production,
some
of
which
may
be
directed
against
autoantigens,
can
trigger
direct
damage
pituitary,
resulting
decreased
production
hormones,
such
as
ACTH.
As
disease
progresses,
prolonged
exposure
antigens
lead
exhaustion
system,
exacerbating
symptoms
pathology.
It
suggested
these
could
included
autoimmune/adjuvant-induced
inflammatory
(ASIA)
because
similar
manifestations
possible
relationship
genetic
factors,
polymorphisms
HLA-DRB1
gene.
In
addition,
it
proposed
treatment
antivirals,
corticosteroids/ginseng,
antioxidants,
metabolic
precursors
improve
modulating
response,
function,
inflammation
oxidative
stress.
Therefore,
purpose
this
review
suggest
origin
adenohypophysis
improvement
after
corticosteroid
replacement
therapy.
Language: Английский
Small Fiber Neuropathy Associated with Post-COVID-19 and Post-COVID-19 Vaccination Arthritis: A Rare Post-Infective Syndrome or a New-Onset Disease?
Journal of Personalized Medicine,
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
14(8), P. 789 - 789
Published: July 25, 2024
Post-COVID-19
(PC)
and
post-COVID-19
vaccination
(PCV)
syndromes
are
considered
emergent
multidisciplinary
disorders.
PC/PCV
small
fiber
neuropathy
(SFN)
was
rarely
described
its
association
with
undifferentiated
arthritis
(UA)
never
defined.
We
aimed
to
evaluate
PC/PCV-UA
associated
the
recent
onset
of
severe
lower
limb
paresthesia,
compare
SFN
positive
(+)
negative
(-)
patients,
changes
in
biomarkers
SFN+
during
treatments.
Nineteen
PC/PCV-UA-patients
possible
underwent
skin
biopsy
at
Usl
Tuscany
Center
(Florence)
early
outpatient
clinic
from
September
2021
March
2024.
Eight
selected
were
compared
ten
SFN-
patients.
In
baseline
joint
ultrasound
(US),
electromyography
(EMG),
optical
coherence
tomography
(OCT),
repeated
six
months.
Moreover,
patients
clinically
assessed
by
a
0-10
numeric
rating
scale
for
neurological
symptoms
DAS28/ESR
up
12
months
follow-up.
showed
intraepidermal
nerve
density
histopathological
examination
biopsies
higher
frequency
OCT
EMG
abnormalities
comparison
US
significantly
improved,
while
did
not
change
six-month
Fatigue,
motor
impairment,
burning
pain,
brain
fog,
sensitivity
disorders
decreased
long-term
follow-up
(12
months).
Language: Английский
Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada Disease and COVID
Journal of Clinical Medicine,
Journal Year:
2023,
Volume and Issue:
12(19), P. 6242 - 6242
Published: Sept. 27, 2023
Vogt–Koyanagi–Harada
(VKH)
is
a
rare
multisystem
inflammatory
disease
affecting
the
eyes,
ears,
brain,
skin,
and
hair.
The
Coronavirus
Disease
2019
(COVID-19)
new
contagious
infection
that
might
trigger
onset
of
VKH
disease,
as
previously
proposed
for
other
viruses.
Moreover,
after
mass
vaccination
against
SARS-CoV-2
worldwide,
cases
associated
with
COVID-19
have
been
reported.
We
present
an
overview
comprehensive
literature
revision
all
described
vaccination,
adding
our
experience.
No
differences
found
considering
epidemiology
clinical
findings
compared
to
those
reported
in
no-COVID
era.
All
patients
promptly
responded
systemic
local
corticosteroid
therapy
good
final
visual
prognosis.
Different
possible
pathogenetic
mechanisms
underlying
are
discussed,
while
presence
HLA
DR4
antigen
genetic
predisposition
proposed.
one
most
frequently
uveitic
entities
but
response
should
not
discourage
vaccination.
Nevertheless,
ophthalmologists
be
alerted
possibility
occurrence
or
relapse
especially
genetically
predisposed
subjects.
Language: Английский
A Comprehensive Review on the Intricate Interplay between COVID-19 Immunization and the New Onset of Pemphigus Foliaceus
Vaccines,
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
12(8), P. 857 - 857
Published: July 30, 2024
Autoimmune
bullous
diseases
(AIBDs)
are
characterized
by
the
formation
of
vesicles,
lesions,
and
mucosal
erosions.
The
autoantibodies
target
cellular
anchoring
structures
from
surface
epidermal
keratinocyte
named
desmosomes,
leading
to
a
loss
cohesion
acantholysis.
AIBDs
classified
into
intraepidermal
or
subepidermal
types
based
on
clinical
features,
histological
characteristics,
immunofluorescence
patterns.
Pemphigus
foliaceus
(PF)
is
an
acquired,
rare,
autoimmune
skin
condition
associated
with
that
specifically
desmoglein-1,
presentation
delicate
cutaneous
blisters,
typically
sparing
mucous
membranes.
Several
factors,
including
genetic
predisposition,
environmental
triggers,
malignancies,
medication
use,
vaccination
(for
influenza,
hepatitis
B,
rabies,
tetanus,
more
recently,
severe
acute
respiratory
syndrome
Coronavirus
2
known
as
SARS-CoV-2),
can
potentially
trigger
onset
pemphigus.
With
advent
vaccines
playing
pivotal
role
in
combatting
2019
coronavirus
disease
(COVID-19),
extensive
research
has
been
conducted
globally
ascertain
their
efficacy
potential
adverse
effects.
While
reports
post-COVID-19
exist
medical
literature,
instances
PF
following
have
less
commonly
reported
worldwide.
disease's
pathophysiology
likely
attributed
resemblance
between
ribonucleic
acid
(RNA)
antigen
present
these
nuclear
matter.
protein
produced
BNT-162b2
messenger
(mRNA)
vaccine
includes
immunogenic
epitopes
could
phenomena
predisposed
individuals
through
several
mechanisms,
molecular
mimicry,
activation
pattern
recognition
receptors,
polyclonal
stimulation
B
cells,
type
I
interferon
production,
autoinflammation.
In
this
review,
we
comprehensive
examination
existing
literature
regarding
relationship
COVID-19
PF,
delving
intricate
interactions.
This
exploration
improves
understanding
both
pemphigus
mRNA
highlighting
importance
close
monitoring
for
post-immunization.
Language: Английский
Autoantibodies Targeting G-Protein-Coupled Receptors and RAS-Related Molecules in Post-Acute COVID Vaccination Syndrome: A Retrospective Case Series Study
Biomedicines,
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
12(12), P. 2852 - 2852
Published: Dec. 15, 2024
Background/Objectives:
While
post-acute
COVID-19
syndrome
is
well
known
and
extensively
studied,
the
COVID
vaccination
(PACVS)
a
more
recent
nosological
entity
that
poorly
defined
at
immunopathological
level,
although
it
shares
many
symptoms
with
sequelae
of
viral
infections.
Methods:
This
single-center
retrospective
study
reports
case
series
17
subjects
vaccinated
mRNA
or
adenoviral
vector
vaccines
who
were
healthy
before
had
never
been
infected
SARS-CoV-2
but
presented
similar
to
PACVS
for
median
time
20
months
(min
4,
max
32).
The
medical
records
all
patients
referred
our
outpatient
clinic
over
one-year
period
retrospectively
analyzed.
Results:
In
this
group,
serological
tests
showed
that,
in
addition
positivity
anti-spike
protein
antibodies,
high
percentage
positive
antibodies
against
G
protein-coupled
receptors
molecules
involved
response
SARS-CoV-2.
panel
16
autoantibodies
tested,
few
positively
associated
some
reported
by
patients:
anti-ATR1
lymphadenopathy
and/or
tonsillitis;
anti-ACE2
skin
such
as
ecchymosis,
oedema,
rash;
anti-MAS1
widespread
burning
sensation;
anti-STAB1
oedema
rash.
Anti-ADRA2A
negatively
memory
loss
mental
fog.
ACE2
correlated
serum
levels
anti-S
supporting
hypothesis
an
anti-idiotype
mechanism
immunopathogenesis
PACVS.
Conclusions:
exploratory
analysis
suggests
directed
ACE2,
probably
also
MAS1
STAB1,
may
serve
biomarkers
Language: Английский