Autoimmunity is our only light in the COVID-19 cave
Boldly I state that the only way out of this pandemic is through proving conclusively autoimmunity in COVID-19. Every other option is a partial solution. Here is how it works.
International focus on the research around autoimmunity. We have already demonstrated autoantibodies to ACE2 and IFN1 in COVID-19 but also need to look for autoantibodies ACE.
Then we can give clear attention to the tools already present to manage the disease.
- Measure serum ACE2 levels to identify those people at highest risk.
- That portion of the population needs vaccination.
- Additionally, prophylactic aspirin or even HCQ could be appropriate in those with the highest levels of serum ACE2.
- Steroids/Aspirin in all patients with symptoms (I suspect all symptoms are immune mediated, including cough and fever).
- Patients not responsive to steroids in hospital, could have plasmapheresis and more aggressive immunosuppression.
This understanding would allow the economies to open without fear of spreading the virus as we had largely identified and protected those at risk. This is not perfect but gives us the way out of the COVID-19 lockdown cave safely.
Why is this simple solution not at the forefront of every agenda across the world?
Am I missing something?