Autoimmune hepatitis triggered by SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. Issue 123 (September 2021) - Vuille-Lessard, Élise
Abstract: The development of autoimmune diseases has been reported after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 could also trigger auto-immunity, as it has been described with other vaccines. An aberrant immune response induced by molecular mimicry and bystander activation, especially in predisposed individuals, is a potential mechanism. We report the case of a 76-year-old woman with Hashimoto thyroiditis and prior COVID-19 infection who developed severe autoimmune hepatitis (with typical features including strongly positive anti-smooth muscle antibody and markedly elevated immunoglobulins G, as well as typical histological findings) following SARS-CoV-2 vaccination (mRNA-1273 SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, Moderna®). The link between SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and the development of autoimmune diseases needs to be further investigated. Although a causality relationship cannot be proven, caution may be warranted when vaccinating individuals with known autoimmune diseases. Highlights: Infections and vaccination have been linked to the development of autoimmune diseases. Molecular mimicry and bystander activation are potential mechanisms. Proving causality between autoimmune hepatitis and mRNA-1273 SARS-CoV-2 vaccine (Moderna®) is challenging. Caution may be warranted when vaccinating individuals with known autoimmune diseases.