Enigma Unmasked: Deciphering the Humoral Immune Response in Long COVID

The profound and lingering effects of Long COVID, also known as post-COVID-19 syndrome, have emerged as a critical area of investigation, necessitating a meticulous examination of the intricate interplay between the humoral immune response and the persistence of symptoms in affected individuals. This special issue endeavors to conduct an in-depth exploration of the extended duration of symptoms in a subset of COVID-19 survivors following the acute phase of infection. The dire need to unravel fundamental immune mechanisms is emphasized, with a particular focus on the multifaceted roles of B cells and antibodies in shaping the trajectory of long COVID.

Objectives
This research initiative seeks to unravel the dynamics of humoral immunity concerning long COVID, delving into the enigma of antibody persistence, potential alterations in B cell populations, and the far-reaching implications of these phenomena on the continuum of symptoms and the process of recovery. By elucidating these aspects, the aim is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the immune landscape during the prolonged aftermath of COVID-19 infection.

Scope
Contributions to this special issue are invited in the form of original research articles, reviews, meta-analyses, case reports, and perspective papers. We encourage submissions that span a spectrum of topics, including but not limited to:
1. Antibody Dynamics: Investigations into the longevity, specificity, and functional aspects of antibodies in the context of long COVID, exploring the factors influencing their persistence and potential role in symptomatology.
2. B Cell Phenotype and Function: Examination of potential alterations in B cell populations, their activation states, and the functional consequences for the immune response in long COVID patients.
3. Clinical Implications: Exploration of the implications of humoral immune responses on the clinical manifestations of long COVID, with an emphasis on identifying markers that could inform diagnostic strategies and prognostic indicators.
4. Therapeutic Interventions: Investigations into therapeutic approaches targeting the humoral immune response to alleviate symptoms, enhance recovery, and inform the development of tailored interventions.

Significance
The insights gleaned from the findings reported in this special issue have the potential to reshape our understanding of long COVID's immune-mediated aspects. Moreover, the outcomes could guide the development of targeted diagnostic, therapeutic, and vaccine strategies, thereby contributing to the broader armamentarium against the persistent challenges posed by long COVID.

Submission Guidelines
Authors are invited to submit their contributions that align with the thematic focus of this special issue. We look forward to receiving a diverse array of manuscripts that advance our understanding of the humoral immune response in the persistence of long COVID.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: SARS-CoV-2, Long COVID, humoral immunity, symptoms, B cells

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.