Long COVID Breakthrough: Elevated Immune Marker PTX-3 Linked to Persistent Damage
Vienna, Austria – October 1, 2025 – In a potentially game-changing discovery for millions grappling with the long-term effects of COVID-19, researchers at the Medical University of Vienna (MedUni Vienna) have identified a persistent elevation of the immune protein PTX-3 in individuals who experienced severe COVID-19 infections. This finding, published today in Frontiers in Immunology, offers a crucial new avenue for understanding – and potentially treating – the debilitating symptoms of Long COVID and related conditions like Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). This is breaking news with significant implications for global health and SEO strategies for related health information.
The Persistent Signal of Inflammation
The study, led by Winfried Pickl and Rudolf Valenta, meticulously analyzed acute phase proteins – indicators of inflammation – in the blood of 141 COVID-19 patients, examining samples taken ten weeks and ten months after their initial infection. These levels were then compared to a control group of 98 individuals who had not been infected with the virus. While most acute phase proteins typically return to normal levels shortly after recovery, the researchers found that PTX-3 remained significantly elevated in those who had suffered severe COVID-19, even months later.
“We observed a striking difference,” explains Dr. Pickl. “PTX-3 didn’t behave like the other acute phase proteins. It remained stubbornly high, suggesting ongoing activity within the immune system long after the initial viral threat had passed.” This persistent elevation was particularly pronounced in patients who had experienced a more difficult course of the disease.
What Does PTX-3 Tell Us? A Biomarker for Long-Term Effects
PTX-3, a component of the innate immune system, is normally released to combat infection and control inflammation. Its prolonged presence suggests either a continuing repair process within the body or, intriguingly, the persistence of remnants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus itself. The researchers believe PTX-3 could serve as a vital biomarker – a measurable indicator – for several key aspects of Long COVID:
- Long-lasting tissue damage: Elevated PTX-3 may signal ongoing damage to organs and tissues affected by the initial infection.
- Chronic immune activation: The protein’s persistence suggests the immune system remains in a heightened state of alert, even without an active viral threat.
- Potential complications: Identifying high PTX-3 levels could help predict which patients are at risk of developing long-term health problems.
The Link to ME/CFS and the Future of Long COVID Research
Perhaps most significantly, the findings shed light on the potential mechanisms underlying ME/CFS, a chronic, debilitating condition often triggered by viral infections. “Long-lasting immune activation, driven by constant repair processes and lingering virus components, is increasingly linked to the development of Long COVID and ME/CFS,” says Bernhard Kratzer, a key researcher on the study. “Our work provides a crucial piece of the puzzle, pinpointing a specific protein that may be driving these processes.”
This discovery isn’t just about understanding the problem; it’s about finding solutions. The identification of PTX-3 as a biomarker opens the door to developing targeted therapies aimed at modulating the immune response and reducing inflammation in Long COVID patients. Furthermore, it provides a valuable tool for diagnosing and monitoring the condition, allowing for earlier intervention and potentially improving outcomes.
The research team emphasizes that further investigation is crucial. Prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings and to explore the potential of PTX-3 as a therapeutic target. However, this breakthrough represents a significant step forward in our understanding of the complex and often-invisible challenges faced by those living with the long-term consequences of COVID-19. Stay tuned to archyde.com for the latest updates on this evolving story and other critical health news. For more information on Long COVID and ME/CFS, explore our comprehensive health resources here.
