Seibert et al. (2026)
- Authors: Felix S. Seibert, Melisa Kurucay, Lea Wiemers, Ulrik Stervbo, Oliver Sander, Monika Segelbacher, Maximilian Seidel, Sebastian Bertram, Nina Babel, Timm H. Westhoff
- Institutes: Medical Department 1, University Hospital Marien Hospital Herne, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany, Department and Hiller Research Unit of Rheumatology, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany, Medical Department, Marien-Hospital Witten, Witten, Germany
- Publisher: PLOS ONE
- Link: DOI
Summary
This study provides evidence that Post-COVID is linked to high levels of autoantibodies targeting the receptors that control blood flow and vessel dilation. While these antibodies are clearly associated with blood pressure changes in patients, they did not lead to obvious structural damage in small blood vessels. These findings suggest that the vascular symptoms of Long COVID may be driven by functional immune-driven dysregulation rather than permanent tissue damage.
What was researched?
The study investigated whether autoantibodies targeting G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) are associated with vascular dysfunction and blood pressure regulation in patients with Post-COVID syndrome.
Why was it researched?
While GPCR autoantibodies have been identified in Post-COVID patients, it remained unclear if they play a direct role in the vascular symptoms, such as dizziness and fatigue, that characterize the condition.
How was it researched?
Researchers conducted a cross-sectional study comparing 80 Post-COVID patients to 54 healthy controls who had recovered from SARS-CoV-2. They used ELISA to measure six types of GPCR autoantibodies and assessed vascular function through flow-mediated dilation (FMD), central aortic blood pressure analysis, and nailfold capillary microscopy.
What has been found?
A significant 65% of Post-COVID patients tested positive for at least one GPCR autoantibody compared to only 22.2% of controls. Higher concentrations of these autoantibodies were strongly associated with lower central systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Additionally, autoantibodies against the endothelin receptor were linked to changes in vessel dilation (FMD) in the Post-COVID group.
Discussion
The results suggest that these autoantibodies may act as functional modulators that promote vasodilation, which could explain certain symptoms like systemic hypotension. However, the lack of significant differences in microvascular structure suggests that compensatory mechanisms might be masking some of the harmful effects at a macroscopic level.
Conclusion & Future Work
GPCR autoantibodies are highly prevalent in Post-COVID and correlate with markers of vasorelaxation. Further research is needed to determine if these antibodies are causal drivers of the disease or markers of a broader immune system imbalance.