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COVID-19, G protein-coupled receptor, and renin-angiotensin system autoantibodies: Systematic review and
Abolfazl Akbari1, Alireza Hadizadeh2, Muhammad Islampanah1
1Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
Introduction:
There are an increasing number of reports of autoantibodies (AAbs) against host proteins such as G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) and the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in COVID-19 disease. Here we have undertaken a systematic review and meta-analysis of all reports of AAbs against GPCRs and RAS in COVID-19 patients including those with long-COVID or post-COVID symptoms.
Methods:
PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus databases were searched to find papers on the role of GPCR and RAS AAbs in the presence and severity of COVID-19 or post- COVID symptoms available through March 21, 2023. Data on the prevalence of AngII or ACE, comparing AngII or ACE between COVID-19 and non-COVID-19, or comparing AngII or ACE between COVID-19 patients with different disease stages were pooled and a meta-analysed using random- or fixed-effects models were undertaken.
Results:
The search yielded a total of 1042 articles, of which 68 studies were included in this systematic review and nine in the meta-analysis. Among 18 studies that investigated GPCRs and COVID-19 severity, 18 distinct AAbs were detected. In addition, nine AAbs were found in case reports that assessed post- COVID, and 19 AAbs were found in other studies that assessed post- COVID or long- COVID symptoms. Meta-analysis revealed a significantly higher number of seropositive ACE2 AAbs in COVID-19 patients (odds ratio = 7.766 [2.056, 29.208], p = 0.002) and particularly in severe disease (odds ratio = 11.49 [1.04, 126.86], p = 0.046), whereas AngII-AAbs seropositivity was no different between COVID-19 and control subjects (odds ratio = 2.890 [0.546-15.283], p = 0.21).
Conclusions:
GPCR and RAS AAbs may play an important role in COVID-19 severity, the development of disease progression, long-term symptoms COVID and post- COVID symptoms.
Insights
Autoantibodies (AAbs) against G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) and the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) are increasingly reported in COVID-19. This systematic review found significantly higher ACE2 AAbs in COVID-19 patients, suggesting a role in disease severity and long-term symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cardiovascular Research
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Growing evidence links autoantibodies (AAbs) against host proteins, including G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) and the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), to COVID-19.
- These AAbs may contribute to disease pathogenesis and persistent symptoms.
Conclusions:
- GPCR and RAS AAbs, especially ACE2 AAbs, appear to play a significant role in COVID-19 severity.
- These autoantibodies may contribute to disease progression and the development of long-term and post-COVID symptoms.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise mechanisms and clinical implications of these AAbs.
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