An immune response against the COVID-19 virus can potentially be triggered by viral “molecular mimics” that resemble the body’s own proteins, new evidence has revealed.
Researchers from the University of Utah Health have detected a set of COVID-derived molecular mimics that are likely to be involved in causing autoimmunity.
Prior studies have found that COVID-19 is associated with a greater risk of autoimmune disorders, such as type 1 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis.
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In this trial, the team of researchers first assessed viral components similar to human proteins which are attacked in several autoimmune diseases.
By using machine learning, the academics detected the viral components most likely to be bound by human antibodies, with some of these being associated with multiple sclerosis or type 1 diabetes.
According to the results, some proteins that are likely targets of COVID-induced autoimmunity are only present in individuals with certain genetics.
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Lead author Professor Julio Facelli said: “It’s exciting that in collaboration with our clinical colleagues, we can now use AI and machine learning to address medical conditions exacerbated by the COVID pandemic.
“Hopefully, our results will lead to better understanding and eventual treatment and prevention of these debilitating conditions.”
Read the study in the journal Immunoinformatics.
