The disease caused by the coronavirus can lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) with a fatal outcome. Tübingen scientists have now found out why some infected people have breathing problems.
The researchers investigated why some people infected with SARS-CoV-2 have problems with oxygen uptake. To do this, they focused on the so-called autoantibodies, which are directed once morest structures in the lungs of COVID-19 patients. To do this, the scientists took blood samples as well as lung tissue and fluid from seriously ill COVID-19 patients from clinics in Switzerland and Germany under the microscope. If oxygen had to be supplied due to the corona infection, a severe COVID-19 disease was present.
Cause of corona-related lung failure identified
The results of previous research have already shown that the lungs of COVID-19 sufferers are similar to those who are not infected with the coronavirus but are nevertheless suffering from acute respiratory failure or are partially or fully collapsed. The breathing problems became noticeable before the organ damage caused by SARS-CoV-2 reached the lungs. The Tübingen scientists were the first research group to determine the cause of coronary lung failure.
Lack of mucosal secretion
In the case of an infection with SARS-CoV-2, autoantibodies are formed, which in turn form endogenous antigens. “We were able to show that in patients with a severe course of COVID-19, rapid and sustained production of the antibody immunoglobulin A (IgA) takes place during the early immune response to the infection,” explains Dr. Sinnberg, first author of the study. The result is an elevated IgA level. IgA are proteins that are part of the body’s immune system and are found in both the blood and mucosal secretions. On the mucous membranes, they form a protection once morest pathogens such as the corona virus by neutralizing them and preventing them from penetrating further into the body. The IgA antibodies bind to proteins in the mucosal secretion, surfactant, which is produced by the lung cells in the alveoli. These proteins are necessary for oxygen exchange in the lungs and, together with the surfactant, essential for the stability of the alveoli.
“The study results show that in the case of an infection with the coronavirus, the increased IgA antibody levels lead to a deficiency in this mucosal secretion,” says Prof. Flatz. “As a result, the lungs collapse and shortness of breath occurs.” Affected patients therefore need support in breathing through additional oxygen supply.
Sources: atsjournals.orgidw-online.de
