Long COVID antibodies trigger sensory, but not cognitive, deficits in mice

Publication date: Aug 26, 2026

According to a recent report in Acta Neuropathologica, the study investigated the potential role of IgG autoantibodies in neurological long COVID, specifically focusing on pain-related sensory dysfunction. Researchers transferred IgG from 13 adults with long COVID and neurological symptoms into mice, observing a clear effect on sensory sensitivity. The antibodies induced thermal and mechanical hypersensitivity in the mice, demonstrated by increased paw withdrawal times from heat and heightened responses to mechanical stimulation, while no cognitive impairments, anxiety, depression, or fatigue were observed. Importantly, the study found that the antibodies accumulated in the lumbar dorsal root ganglia, clusters of sensory neuron cell bodies, and did not trigger widespread neuroinflammation. These findings suggest an autoimmune component in a subset of long COVID patients experiencing hypersensitivity to touch, heat, or cold, and highlight the need for further research to identify the specific antibody targets involved.

Semantics

Original Article