Dear Colleagues,
Although most cases of COronaVIrus Disease 19 (COVID-19) make a complete recovery, it is now established that some patients experience symptoms that persist or appear after the acute illness. This condition is known as post-COVID syndrome (PCS). The specific pathogenetic mechanisms that underlie PCS and the long term impact at a biological level are still poorly understood. However, the clinical evidence indicates the involvement of chronic inflammation and the predominance of an immune effector phenotype.

In particular, several biomarkers such as IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-10, IL-2, CRP, MCP-1, serum amyloid A and kynurenine pathway metabolites appear to play a central role in the development of PCS. Persistent ACA IgG positivity has also been reported in a patient with PCS, as has increased ANA antibody positivity.

The above observations suggest that Sars-Cov2 infection could determine the de novo development or reactivation of latent autoimmunity through its ability to trigger the release of specific inflammatory mediators.

The aim of this Special Issue is to collect the most recent scientific evidence in support of the immunogenic role of Sars-Cov2 infection and its ability to exacerbate immune-related diseases, also in the context of PCS.

Prof. Giuseppe Murdaca, Prof. Sebastiano Gangemi and Dr. Francesca Paladin
Guest Editors