Immune Mechanisms Underpinning Long COVID: Collegium Internationale Allergologicum Update 2024

Abstract

Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection can result in a prolonged multisystem disorder termed long COVID, which may affect up to 10% of people following coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). It is currently unclear why certain individuals do not fully recover following SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Summary: In this review, we examine immunological mechanisms that may underpin the pathophysiology of long COVID. These mechanisms include an inappropriate immune response to acute SARS-CoV-2 infection, immune cell exhaustion, immune cell metabolic reprogramming, a persistent SARS-CoV-2 reservoir, reactivation of other viruses, inflammatory responses impacting the central nervous system, autoimmunity, microbiome dysbiosis, and dietary factors.

Key messages: Unfortunately, the currently available diagnostic and treatment options for long COVID are inadequate, and more clinical trials are needed that match experimental interventions to underlying immunological mechanisms.

Keywords: Inflammation; Long COVID; Microbiota; Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2.