Syntax Literate: Jurnal Ilmiah Indonesia
Jurnal Ilmiah Indonesia

Immunopathogenesis of Neurological Manifestations in Long Covid: Persistent Neuroinflammation, Autoimmunity, and Emerging Therapeutic Strategies: A Narrative Review

Bethasiwi Purbasari (Universitas Brawijaya)
Rahmad (Universitas Brawijaya)



Article Info

Publish Date
29 Jul 2026

Abstract

Long COVID (post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection [PASC]) affects an estimated 10–30% of SARS-CoV-2 survivors, with neurological and neuropsychiatric symptoms persisting well beyond the acute phase. The immune mechanisms underlying persistent central nervous system (CNS) dysfunction remain incompletely understood, and no approved treatment is currently available. This review aimed to synthesize published evidence on the neuroimmune mechanisms underlying Long COVID and to link mechanistic findings with clinical manifestations and potential pharmacological targets. Peer-reviewed studies and preprints from MEDLINE and PubMed were reviewed, covering postmortem neuropathology, advanced neuroimaging, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) proteomics, peripheral blood immunophenotyping, and clinical pharmacology data published between 2020 and 2025. Five pathological axes were identified: (1) viral neuroinvasion and blood–brain barrier disruption through ACE2-dependent and ACE2-independent pathways; (2) persistent microglial activation, T-cell exhaustion, and cytokine dysregulation; (3) autoantibodies targeting G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and synaptic proteins, contributing to dysautonomia and cognitive impairment; (4) endothelial dysfunction, fibrin microclot formation, and complement-mediated thromboinflammation; and (5) clinical phenotypes potentially amenable to mechanism-guided therapies, including Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, low-dose naltrexone, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg), and antihistamines. Neurological manifestations of Long COVID reflect a self-reinforcing, multi-axis immunopathological process. Effective management requires endotype-based patient stratification and combination therapeutic approaches supported by mechanistic evidence.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

syntax-literate

Publisher

Subject

Humanities Education Environmental Science Law, Crime, Criminology & Criminal Justice Social Sciences Other

Description

Syntax Literate: Jurnal Ilmiah Indonesia is a peer-reviewed scientific journal that publishes original research and critical studies in various fields of science, including education, social sciences, humanities, economics, and engineering. The journal aims to provide a platform for researchers, ...