Scientists have made a discovery that could offer a new treatment to people who suffer with long Covid. According to research carried out at Cardiff University, long Covid could be caused by an overactivation of the immune system which leads to circulation of inflammatory proteins around the body.
The study discovered biological markers that may allow existing medication to be used to treat the condition. The research indicates that in patients with long Covid, part of their immune system is overly active.
The researchers carried out comprehensive analysis of plasma samples, obtained from a large group of healthy individuals who had recovered from Covid-19 and non-hospitalised patients with long Covid. It was discovered that the complement system, an essential part of our immune system, which supplements the action of antibodies and immune cells, was often overly active in patients with long Covid-19.
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Professor Paul Morgan from Cardiff University School of Medicine said: "The Covid-19 pandemic has left a global legacy of ill health, with long Covid estimated to affect up to 1.9 million people in the UK. Long Covid can last for months or years after the triggering infection and is associated with diverse symptoms including brain fog, chest pain, breathlessness, fatigue, and sensory problems. The causes of this disease remain largely unknown, emerging evidence suggests an important role for chronic inflammation.
"In this research, we show overactivation of the complement system in long Covid. Complement system dysregulation is a common feature of acute and chronic inflammatory diseases and a major driver of inflammation. Therefore, we could use this information not only to further understanding of the causes of long Covid, but also to develop effective treatments." For the latest health and Covid news, sign up to our newsletter here
At present, there are no tests to diagnose long Covid, but these findings suggest that biological markers for the complement system measured in blood samples could help in its diagnosis. There are also no effective treatments for long Covid, with current treatment approaches limited to easing symptoms and rehabilitation. The researchers hope that their findings will underpin testing of targeted therapies to inhibit the complement system and restore health. Support award-winning journalism with WalesOnline’s Premium app on Apple or Android
Dr Zelek from Cardiff University School of Medicine said: "Currently, we don't have a single effective treatment or medication for long Covid other than limited treatments that provide some symptomatic relief. Our research suggests that targeting overactivation of the complement system may provide an effective treatment for some individuals with long Covid.
"This research is exciting because medicines that target the biomarkers we identified and decrease activity of the complement system are already used in clinical medicine to treat other diseases. So, by working with drug manufacturers to repurpose these medicines we may be able to provide effective treatments for long Covid."
The team of scientists hope to set up initial drug trials soon. They want to test the use of these reworked medications on patients suffering from 'long Covid'. These patients will be selected based on the specific blood markers found in this study.
The study, called complement dysregulation is a prevalent and therapeutically amenable feature of long Covid, was led by Professors Paul Morgan and David Price, as well as Dr Helen Davies and Dr Wioleta Zelek. It was published in 'Med', a leading medical journal put out by Cell Press.
