Artigo Acesso aberto Revisado por pares

Does SARS-CoV-2 Trigger Stress-Induced Autoimmunity by Molecular Mimicry? A Hypothesis

2020; Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute; Volume: 9; Issue: 7 Linguagem: Inglês

10.3390/jcm9072038

ISSN

2077-0383

Autores

Francesco Cappello, Antonella Marino, Francesco Dieli, Everly Conway de Macario, Alberto J.L. Macario,

Tópico(s)

Viral gastroenteritis research and epidemiology

Resumo

Viruses can generate molecular mimicry phenomena within their hosts. Why shouldsevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) not be considered one of these?Information in this short review suggests that it might be so and, thus, encourages research aimingat testing this possibility. We propose, as a working hypothesis, that the virus induces antibodiesand that some of them crossreact with host's antigens, thus eliciting autoimmune phenomena withdevasting consequences in various tissues and organs. If confirmed, by in vitro and in vivo tests,this could drive researchers to find effective treatments against the virus.

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