To examine indicators of complement activation specifically in individuals with post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC) up to 33 months post-infection.
Key Findings:
No significant differences in complement activation markers were found between PASC patients and control participants, indicating a need for further investigation.
Individuals with mild acute SARS-CoV-2 infection showed a tendency for more pronounced PASC symptoms.
Interpretation:
The study did not find compelling evidence of complement system activation in patients with PASC, suggesting that other mechanisms, such as immune dysregulation, may be involved in the pathophysiology of long COVID.
Limitations:
The sample size may limit the generalizability of the findings.
The study focused only on specific complement activation markers, which may not capture the full spectrum of immune response.
Conclusion:
The absence of significant complement activation in PASC patients indicates that further research is needed to explore alternative pathophysiological mechanisms.
by Madlene Holmqvist, Dick J. Sjöström, Katherine Carlson, Birgitta Gullstrand, Anders A. Bengtsson, Robin Kahn, Tom E. Mollnes, Per Åkesson, Per H. Nilsson, Fredrik Kahn
