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Multiple Sclerosis and SARS-CoV-2: Has the Interplay Started?

Gianmarco Bellucci1, Virginia Rinaldi1, Maria Chiara Buscarinu1,2

  • 1Centre for Experimental Neurological Therapies (CENTERS), Department of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Sensory Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.

Frontiers in Immunology
|October 14, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) involves genetic and environmental factors causing neuroinflammation. This review examines how SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) and its vaccination impact MS, considering viral interactions.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroimmunology
  • Virology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Multiple Sclerosis (MS) pathogenesis involves genetic and environmental factors leading to central nervous system autoimmunity.
  • Viral infections are historically linked to MS, potentially triggering and sustaining neuroinflammation.
  • The novel Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) significantly impacts the immune system, with implications for MS pathobiology.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the interplay between SARS-CoV-2 infection and Multiple Sclerosis (MS) over 18 months of the pandemic.
  • To dissect neuroinflammatory and demyelinating mechanisms in COVID-19 relevant to MS.
  • To discuss the impact of COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2 vaccination on individuals with MS.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on COVID-19 in people with MS.
  • Analysis of neuroinflammatory and demyelinating mechanisms.
  • Synthesis of pathophysiological connections between MS and SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Main Results:

  • COVID-19 and long COVID-19 share immune response aspects with MS.
  • Potential mechanistic interplay exists between SARS-CoV-2, Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), and Human Endogenous Retroviruses (HERVs) in MS.
  • Studies informed therapeutic strategies and vaccination campaigns for MS patients during the pandemic.

Conclusions:

  • COVID-19 presents complex interactions with MS, affecting neuroinflammation and demyelination.
  • Understanding SARS-CoV-2's impact is crucial for managing MS during and after the pandemic.
  • Evidence on COVID-19 and vaccination in MS guides clinical practice and therapeutic adjustments.
Keywords:
COVID-19EBV—Epstein-Barr VirusSARS-CoV-2multiple sclerosisneuroinflammationvaccinevirusvirus-host interactions

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