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Long COVID Autoantibodies: A New Cause?
29 May
Summary
- New studies link long COVID neurological issues to mistaken immune system attacks.
- Mounjaro showed superior blood sugar and weight control in type 2 diabetes.
- Autoantibodies from long COVID patients induced symptoms in mice.
- US blood donation policies may change due to long COVID autoantibody findings.
The neurological symptoms associated with long COVID may be caused by the body's own immune system attacking itself, according to two new studies. Researchers identified autoantibodies in the blood of long COVID patients, which, when infused into mice, mimicked human neurological symptoms like fatigue and pain sensitivity. These findings, published in Cell Reports Medicine and Cell, could pave the way for new treatments targeting autoimmunity.
Dr. David Putrino highlighted that patients with these specific autoantibodies may respond well to existing therapies. The research also raises public health concerns, particularly regarding blood donation policies. While the UK excludes long COVID sufferers from donating blood, the U.S. currently allows it. Given the potential risks posed by autoantibodies in plasma, changes to U.S. donation policies are being considered.
In a separate development for type 2 diabetes, early use of Eli Lilly's GLP-1 drug tirzepatide (Mounjaro) has shown significant benefits. A study funded by the company, published in Annals of Internal Medicine, found that patients recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes who added tirzepatide to their treatment saw greater improvements in blood sugar, weight, and waist circumference compared to those on other medications. Approximately 60% of tirzepatide recipients achieved normal blood sugar levels after two years.
