Transfer of Pathogenic IgG from Long COVID Patients with Neurological Symptoms Induces Sensitivity Without Affecting Cognitive Function in Mice - Summary - MDSpire

Transfer of Pathogenic IgG from Long COVID Patients with Neurological Symptoms Induces Sensitivity Without Affecting Cognitive Function in Mice

  • By

  • Margaux Mignolet

  • Catherine Deroux

  • Thomas Florkin

  • Valéry Bielarz

  • Kathleen De Swert

  • Nicolas Halloin

  • Lindsay Sprimont

  • Aurélie Ladang

  • Fabienne George

  • Jacques Gilloteaux

  • Laurence Abeloos

  • Pierre Garin

  • Johan Van Weyenbergh

  • Marc Jamoulle

  • Claire Diederich

  • Nicolas Albert Gillet

  • Pierre Bulpa

  • Charles Nicaise

  • April 29, 2026

  • 0 min

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Objective:

To determine if IgG antibodies from long COVID patients with neurological symptoms can bind to nervous system epitopes and induce specific neuropsychiatric symptoms in mice.

Key Findings:
  • IgG from long COVID patients can bind to nervous system epitopes, indicating a potential mechanism for neurological symptoms.
  • Passive transfer of patient IgG induced sensitivity in mice without affecting cognitive function, suggesting a specific impact on sensory pathways.
  • Differences in behavioral responses were observed between mice receiving patient IgG and those receiving IgG-depleted serum, highlighting the role of these antibodies.
Interpretation:

The study suggests that pathogenic IgG antibodies from long COVID patients may contribute to sensory sensitivity, potentially implicating autoimmunity in long COVID neurological symptoms, which could inform future therapeutic strategies.

Limitations:
  • The study's sample size was small and may not represent the broader long COVID population, limiting the generalizability of the findings.
  • The specific mechanisms by which IgG induces symptoms remain unclear, necessitating further investigation.
Conclusion:

The findings support the hypothesis that autoantibodies may play a role in long COVID neurological symptoms, warranting further investigation into their pathogenic relevance and potential therapeutic targets.

Original Source(s)

Transfer of Pathogenic IgG from Long COVID Patients with Neurological Symptoms Induces Sensitivity Without Affecting Cognitive Function in Mice

  • by Margaux Mignolet, Catherine Deroux, Thomas Florkin, Valéry Bielarz, Kathleen De Swert, Nicolas Halloin, Lindsay Sprimont, Aurélie Ladang, Fabienne George, Jacques Gilloteaux, Laurence Abeloos, Pierre Garin, Johan Van Weyenbergh, Marc Jamoulle, Claire Diederich, Nicolas Albert Gillet, Pierre Bulpa, Charles Nicaise

  • April 29, 2026

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