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Published on: December 23, 2020
Molecular insights into onset of autoimmunity in SARS-CoV-2 infected patients
1Sathya Krishna Genomics LLC Winston-Salem North Carolina USA.
Abstract:
Some of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infected patients are facing long-term devastating effects like induction of autoimmune diseases. Here, I discuss molecular mechanisms and risk factors involved in the induction of autoimmune diseases after SARS-CoV-2 infections. Transcript editing genes were upregulated during SARS-CoV-2 infections, which might have edited host gene transcripts and paved the way for autoantigens generation and presented as nonself to generate autoantibodies followed by auto immunogenicity after SARS-CoV-2 infections. Therefore, some SARS-CoV-2 patients acquire autoimmunity. The transient and/or innocuous autoimmune response in some SARS-CoV-2 infected patients may be due to a lack of repeated production of autoantibodies to host autoantigens and/or viral antigens, which are needed to boost autoimmune response. In the future, SARS-CoV-2 mediated autoimmune disease onset will be a challenging task. Therefore, possible preventive measures and strategies to minimize and/or preclude such SARS-CoV-2 mediated autoimmune diseases have been presented in this commentary.
Insights
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection can trigger autoimmune diseases. Molecular mechanisms suggest SARS-CoV-2 may lead to autoantigen generation, causing autoimmunity in some patients.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Genetics
Background:
- Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is associated with long-term complications, including the induction of autoimmune diseases.
- Understanding the mechanisms behind SARS-CoV-2-mediated autoimmunity is crucial for managing post-infection sequelae.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the molecular mechanisms and risk factors involved in the induction of autoimmune diseases following SARS-CoV-2 infection.
- To explore potential preventive strategies against SARS-CoV-2-induced autoimmunity.
Main Methods:
- Review and commentary on existing literature regarding SARS-CoV-2 infection and autoimmune disease development.
- Analysis of molecular pathways, including transcript editing and autoantigen presentation.
Main Results:
- Upregulation of transcript editing genes during SARS-CoV-2 infection may lead to the generation of autoantigens.
- These autoantigens, presented as non-self, can trigger autoantibody production and subsequent autoimmunity.
- Transient or mild autoimmune responses may result from insufficient autoantibody production.
Conclusions:
- SARS-CoV-2 infection can precipitate autoimmune diseases through specific molecular mechanisms.
- Preventive measures and strategies are needed to mitigate the risk of developing autoimmune conditions post-SARS-CoV-2 infection.
- Managing SARS-CoV-2-mediated autoimmune disease onset presents a future challenge requiring proactive interventions.
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