Understanding GPCR Autoantibodies: Roles, Risks, and Responses in Inflammation and Disease

By SWA

 

  • What are GPCR Autoantibodies?

  • What Do GPCRs and Autoantibodies Do?

  • What If Something Goes Wrong?

  • What Causes Dysfunction in GPCRs or Autoantibodies?

  • What Are the Interventions or Responses?

All links provided are included appropriately.

What Are GPCR Autoantibodies?

GPCR autoantibodies are a type of functional autoantibody that targets G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs)—a large family of membrane proteins involved in transmitting signals across cells. These autoantibodies can disrupt normal signaling pathways, contribute to disease, or, in some cases, modulate immune responses.

In the context of Long COVID, researchers have identified GPCR autoantibodies that may play a role in persistent symptoms by affecting vascular and autonomic function:

 Functional Autoantibodies Targeting GPCRs in Long-COVID

What Do GPCRs and Autoantibodies Do?

GPCRs: Signal Transmitters
G-protein-coupled receptors are involved in a wide range of physiological responses, including hormone activity, sensory perception, immune regulation, and cardiovascular function.

 Nature Education: What Happens When a GPCR is Activated
  G Proteins and GPCRs in Cardiovascular Disease
  GPCRs in Inflammation
  GPCRs in Rheumatoid Arthritis
  Class B GPCRs and Hormones
 GPCRs and Histamine Receptors

Autoantibodies Against GPCRs:
Anti-GPCR antibodies can modulate signaling pathways or directly eliminate diseased cells through mechanisms like antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) or phagocytosis (ADCP).

Anti-GPCR Antibodies Overview – Biocytogen

What If Something Goes Wrong?

Elevated IgG:
High IgG levels can indicate infection, inflammation, or autoimmune diseases affecting the central nervous system.

 MedlinePlus: High IgG Index

IgG4 Deficiency:
Symptoms can vary widely and often include fatigue, organ inflammation, and visible swelling or pain in areas such as the eyes.

 Vasculitis UK: IgG4 Disease

GPCR-Related Disorders:
GPCR mutations are linked to numerous disorders, including hormone resistance, retinal degeneration, metabolic dysfunction, and cancer.

Diseases Caused by GPCR Mutations – PubMed
G Protein Alpha Subunit Mutation Effects

What Causes Dysfunction in GPCRs or Autoantibodies?

Triggers of GPCR Activation:
GPCRs are activated by a wide range of external stimuli such as hormones, neurotransmitters, chemokines, odorants, and more.

GPCR Activation Triggers – NCBI
 G Proteins and Their Associated Ligands – Wikipedia

Protein Damage:
Both internal (oxidative stress, immune activity) and external factors can damage proteins, including GPCRs and antibodies.

Protein Damage Mechanisms

What Are the Interventions or Responses?

Body’s Natural Defense:
The immune system produces antibodies to recognize and neutralize harmful pathogens.

 Antibody Function – NCBI

Antimicrobial Proteins:
These include interferons, complement proteins, and iron-binding molecules that directly fight infections.

Antimicrobial Proteins – JoVE

Anti-Inflammatory Agents:
Glucocorticoids (GCs) are hormone-based drugs used to suppress inflammation via the glucocorticoid receptor.

Glucocorticoids and Inflammation – PubMed

Dietary Considerations:
Excess protein intake may harm kidney function over time by increasing filtration stress.

High Protein Diet and Kidney Risk

© 2000-2025 Sieglinde W. Alexander. All writings by Sieglinde W. Alexander have a fife year copy right. Library of Congress Card Number: LCN 00-192742

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