Abstract
There is growing evidence that coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can lead to a dysregulation of the immune system with the development of autoimmune phenomena. The consequence of this immune dysregulation ranges from the production of autoantibodies to the onset of rheumatic autoimmune disease. In this context, we conducted a systematic review to analyze the current data regarding the new-onset systemic and rheumatic autoimmune diseases in COVID-19 patients. A literature search in PubMed and Scopus databases from December 2019 to September 2021 identified 99 patients that fulfilled the specific diagnostic/classification criteria and/or nomenclature for each rheumatic autoimmune disease. The main diseases reported were vasculitis and arthritis. Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies, systemic lupus erythematosus, and sarcoidosis were also reported in a limited number of patients, as well as isolated cases of systemic sclerosis and adult-onset Still’s disease. These findings highlight the potential spectrum of systemic and rheumatic autoimmune diseases that could be precipitated by SARS-CoV-2 infection. Complementary studies are needed to discern the link between the SARS-CoV-2 and new onset-rheumatic diseases so that this knowledge can be used in early diagnosis and the most suitable management.
Highlights
IntroductionExamples of viruses that play a role in triggering autoimmune disease include hepatitis C virus, hepatitis B virus, Chikungunya virus, parvovirus B19, herpes viruses, and others [2,3]
Accepted: 17 December 2021Historically, viral infections have had a complex relationship with a variety of autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Sjögren’s syndrome (SS), systemic vasculitis, celiac disease, and multiple sclerosis [1,2].Examples of viruses that play a role in triggering autoimmune disease include hepatitis C virus, hepatitis B virus, Chikungunya virus, parvovirus B19, herpes viruses, and others [2,3].The mechanisms underlying the association between viruses and autoimmunity remain poorly understood
Titles and abstracts of 1176 articles were evaluated, and 154 relevant articles were reviewed in detail
Summary
Examples of viruses that play a role in triggering autoimmune disease include hepatitis C virus, hepatitis B virus, Chikungunya virus, parvovirus B19, herpes viruses, and others [2,3]. The mechanisms underlying the association between viruses and autoimmunity remain poorly understood. Cross-reactive T-cell recognition, known as molecular mimicry, as well as bystander T-cell activation, culminating in epitope spreading, were the predominant mechanisms by which infection can lead to a T-cell-mediated autoimmune response. Other hypotheses including virus-induced decoy of the immune system warrant discussion regarding their potential for triggering autoimmunity [4,5]. There is growing evidence that infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is associated with the development of autoimmunity phenomena
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
