Problematic region in the Spike Protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus induces autoantibodies in mice

SAN DIEGO, April 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Long COVID or post COVID-19 syndrome, is a clinical entity observed in certain patients wherein symptoms of illness persist for at least several weeks or months after Covid19 infection. While the etiology of this clinical entity is not fully understood, it is likely that multiple pathologies contribute such as permanent organ damage, persistent inflammation and other immune manifestations. A study headed by researchers at the Applied Biomedical Science Institute and collaborators have uncovered a region of the SARS-CoV-2 virus spike protein that induces potentially pathogenic autoantibodies in mice. This immunogenic linear peptide region is targeted by autoantibodies typically associated with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and other autoimmune diseases, and as such is reminiscent of similar self-reactive regions within the HIV-1 virus spike. They also found this region to be highly immunogenic, as has been observed in previous studies of SARS-CoV-2-infected humans even as linear peptides. While these preliminary studies in mice will need to be validated in human studies, many of the self-antigens these autoantibodies target are highly conserved across species including humans. Therefore, these studies imply research priority should be placed in determining if high levels of these autoantibodies contribute to the Long COVID clinical entity following infection. Other highly conserved, non-autoantibody inducing regions in the Spike were detected in this study that may be more desirable to explore as potential pancoronavirus therapeutic or vaccine targets.

See the original study at:

Diaz et al. "SARS-CoV-2 spike peptide analysis reveals a highly conserved region that elicits potentially pathogenic autoantibodies: implications to pan-coronavirus vaccine development" Front. Immunol. , 24 February 2025 Sec. B Cell Biology, Volume 16 - 2025 https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2025.1488388

About the Applied Biomedical Science Institute

The Applied Biomedical Science Institute (ABS) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization taking a leading role in basic research and its rapid clinical translation by performing cutting-edge basic and translational research. With deep expertise in antibody genetics, biology, engineering, and discovery technologies, ABS promotes therapeutic and diagnostic translation through their own internal research, collaborations, or licensing activities. ABS also trains early-stage researchers in biomedical research through post-doctoral fellow and internship programs.

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Nathalie Nguyen
Applied Biomedical Science Institute
(858) 346-6300
[email protected]

SOURCE Applied Biomedical Science Institute