Mechanisms of Inflammation in Long-COVID/Post-COVID-Vaccination Syndrome

Dear Colleagues,

Long-COVID (LC) is a syndrome in which several debilitating symptoms persist for three months or more after COVID-19. Many aspects of this condition are still to be elucidated. Vaccination against COVID-19 can be, sometimes, followed by a post-vaccination syndrome, referred to as PACVS, which partly resembles LC. These pathological conditions are diffused worldwide and demand decisive clinical interventions. It has also been shown that repeated COVID-19 vaccination can induce the development of the IgG4 class of antibodies, instead of more protective classes of antibodies. Both SARS-CoV-2 infections and vaccinations can induce the development or can induce de novo autoimmune phenomena.

This Special Issue welcomes the submission of research articles or review articles that address the mechanisms of LC or the effects of COVID-19 vaccination in the long term. Studies that address the development of IgG4 in LC or in PACVS are also welcome. Moreover, this Special Issue can also include studies that analyze the incidence of LC or PACVS in people with pre-existing conditions, such as chronic diseases, including allergies. Studies that explore the incidence of side effects of vaccination against the virus Sars-CoV-2 or address strategies to improve LC and /or PACVS, via novel pharmacological interventions, will fit in this Special Issue. The effect of vaccination (either protective or non-protective) on LC development is also an issue to clarify, and studies in this field are welcome.

Dr. Loredana Frasca
Guest Editor

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