Objective:

To provide a comprehensive evaluation of the immunopathological mechanisms associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 vaccination.

Approach:

Key Findings:

• Endothelial dysfunction (24.5%) and cytokine dysregulation (18.9%) are the most frequently reported mechanisms.
• Autoimmune responses (15.1%) and complement activation (17%) also play significant roles.
• Elevated proinflammatory cytokines, lymphopenia, and vascular injury markers are associated with increased disease severity and mortality.
• Persistent immunological alterations and autoantibody production were observed in some patients post-COVID.
• Immune complex–mediated inflammation is also a significant contributor.

Interpretation:

COVID-19 pathogenesis is driven by complex and interconnected immunopathological mechanisms, including hyperinflammation, endothelial dysfunction, complement activation, and autoimmune processes.

Limitations:

• The review is limited to English-language articles.
• The studies included may have varying methodologies and sample sizes, which could affect the findings.

Conclusion:

The findings highlight the importance of targeted immunomodulatory strategies and provide a framework for future research.

Attribution Notice

This content is an AI-generated, fully rewritten summary based on a published scholarly article. It does not reproduce the original text and is not a substitute for the original publication. Readers are encouraged to consult the source for full context, data, and methodology.