Untangling COVID-19 and autoimmunity: Identification of plausible targets suggests multi organ involvement

Underlying mechanisms of multi-organ manifestations and exacerbated inflammation in COVID-19 are yet to be delineated. The hypothesis of SARS-CoV-2 triggering autoimmunity is gaining attention and, in the present study, we have identified 28 human proteins harbouring regions homologous to SARS-CoV-2 peptides that could possibly be acting as autoantigens in COVID-19 patients displaying autoimmune conditions. Interestingly, these conserved regions are amongst the experimentally validated B cell epitopes of SARS-CoV-2 proteins. The reported human proteins have demonstrated presence of autoantibodies against them in typical autoimmune conditions which may explain the frequent occurrence of autoimmune conditions following SARS-CoV-2 infection. Moreover, the proposed autoantigens' widespread tissue distribution is suggestive of their involvement in multi-organ manifestations via molecular mimicry. We opine that our report may aid in directing subsequent necessary antigen-specific studies, results of which would be of long-term relevance in management of extrapulmonary symptoms of COVID-19.

Automated summary

The study identifies 28 human proteins with regions homologous to SARS-CoV-2 peptides as potential autoantigens, explaining the occurrence of autoimmune conditions following COVID-19 infection. These autoantigens are found to be distributed widely in tissues, suggesting their involvement in multi-organ manifestations through molecular mimicry. The report may guide future antigen-specific studies for management of extrapulmonary symptoms of COVID-19.