Arkansas Researchers Find Potential Cause of 'Long Haul' COVID-19 Symptoms - Good News Network

The antibody creates problems for the immune system by attacking the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2).

Researchers tested plasma or serum for ACE2 antibodies in 67 patients in Arkansas and Oklahoma with known SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) and 13 with no history of infection.

In 81% of blood samples from patients with a history of COVID-19, the samples had the antibody that attacked the ACE2.

In participants with no history of COVID-19, no antibodies were created to attack the ACE2 enzyme.

“If we show that the whole hypothesis is right, that this interference of ACE2 really does cause long COVID, then it opens up many potential treatments,” said Arthur.