Since the start of the pandemic, accumulating evidence demonstrated a strict interplay between SARS-CoV-2 and the immune system. Indeed, it is now well recognized that inflammatory mechanisms are crucial for the development and progression of acute COVID-19; on the other hand, immune-modulating agents, such as glucocorticoids, IL-6 receptor antagonists or Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors are an integral part of the management of the most severe forms of the disease.
Furthermore, several reports support the ability of SARS-CoV-2 to induce long-term modifications on the immune system that extend beyond the acute phase of the infection. Accordingly, autoimmune and inflammatory diseases may develop in close temporal association with SARS-CoV-2 infection and the immunological derangement can explain, at least in part, the emerging spectrum of the heterogeneous post-acute COVID-19 syndrome (PACS).
However, the mechanisms linking SARS-CoV-2 with the subsequent development of persistent inflammation and autoimmunity are still incompletely understood and current knowledge relies mainly on small case series or observational studies.
On this basis, the main goal of this research topic is to collect articles exploring the potential role of SARS-CoV-2 in inducing persistent inflammation and autoimmunity. The topic will encompass clinical, translational, and basic research articles as well as systematic review focused on one of the main themes.
Researchers are asked to contribute with original articles (including systematic reviews and meta-analyses) involving either clinical or translational and basic research, and consistent mainly with the following themes:
• Systemic autoimmune diseases (e.g., arthritis, connective tissue diseases, vasculitis) with onset during or after COVID-19
• Organ-specific (e.g., thyroid, cardiac, lung) autoimmune diseases with onset during or after COVID-19
• Translational and basic research studies focusing on the mechanisms linking SARS-CoV-2 with persistent inflammation and autoimmunity
• Clinical and translational studies focusing on the effects of immune-modulating therapeutic agents on COVID-19 and its inflammatory or autoimmune consequences
• Management of inflammatory or autoimmune consequences of COVID-19
• Pathophysiology of post-acute COVID-19 syndrome (long-COVID) under the autoimmunity perspective
• Pre-existent autoimmune diseases and COVID-19 outcomes
• Pre-existent autoimmune diseases and optimal management of acute COVID-19
Since the start of the pandemic, accumulating evidence demonstrated a strict interplay between SARS-CoV-2 and the immune system. Indeed, it is now well recognized that inflammatory mechanisms are crucial for the development and progression of acute COVID-19; on the other hand, immune-modulating agents, such as glucocorticoids, IL-6 receptor antagonists or Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors are an integral part of the management of the most severe forms of the disease.
Furthermore, several reports support the ability of SARS-CoV-2 to induce long-term modifications on the immune system that extend beyond the acute phase of the infection. Accordingly, autoimmune and inflammatory diseases may develop in close temporal association with SARS-CoV-2 infection and the immunological derangement can explain, at least in part, the emerging spectrum of the heterogeneous post-acute COVID-19 syndrome (PACS).
However, the mechanisms linking SARS-CoV-2 with the subsequent development of persistent inflammation and autoimmunity are still incompletely understood and current knowledge relies mainly on small case series or observational studies.
On this basis, the main goal of this research topic is to collect articles exploring the potential role of SARS-CoV-2 in inducing persistent inflammation and autoimmunity. The topic will encompass clinical, translational, and basic research articles as well as systematic review focused on one of the main themes.
Researchers are asked to contribute with original articles (including systematic reviews and meta-analyses) involving either clinical or translational and basic research, and consistent mainly with the following themes:
• Systemic autoimmune diseases (e.g., arthritis, connective tissue diseases, vasculitis) with onset during or after COVID-19
• Organ-specific (e.g., thyroid, cardiac, lung) autoimmune diseases with onset during or after COVID-19
• Translational and basic research studies focusing on the mechanisms linking SARS-CoV-2 with persistent inflammation and autoimmunity
• Clinical and translational studies focusing on the effects of immune-modulating therapeutic agents on COVID-19 and its inflammatory or autoimmune consequences
• Management of inflammatory or autoimmune consequences of COVID-19
• Pathophysiology of post-acute COVID-19 syndrome (long-COVID) under the autoimmunity perspective
• Pre-existent autoimmune diseases and COVID-19 outcomes
• Pre-existent autoimmune diseases and optimal management of acute COVID-19
