Notwithstanding the fact that the 12th international congress of autoimmunity (AUTO12) was held virtual this year, the number of the abstracts submitted and those presented crossed the thousand marks. Leading investigators and researchers from all over the world presented the latest developments of their research in the domain of autoimmunity and its correlation with various diseases. In terms of mechanisms of autoimmunity, an update on the mechanisms behind the association of autoimmunity with systemic diseases focusing on hyperstimulation was presented during AUTO12. In addition, a new mechanism of ASIA syndrome caused by an
intrauterine contraceptive device was revealed demonstrating a complete resolution of symptoms following
device removal. In regard to the correlation between autoimmunity and neurogenerative diseases, the loss of structural
protein integrity as the trigger of immunological response was shown.
Schizophrenia as well, and its correlation to pro-inflammatory
cytokines was also addressed. Furthermore, and as it was said AUTO12 virtual due to
COVID-19 pandemic, various works were dedicated to
SARS-CoV-2 infection and
COVID-19 in terms of autoimmune mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis, treatment and complications of
COVID-19. For instance, the correlation between autoimmunity and the severity of
COVID-19 was viewed. Moreover, the presence and association of
autoantibodies in
COVID-19 was also demonstrated, as well as the clinical outcomes of
COVID-19 in patients with
rheumatic diseases. Finally, immune-mediated reactions and processes secondary to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination was displayed. Due to the immense importance of all of the topics addressed and while several hundreds of works were presented which cannot be summed up in one paper, we aimed hereby to highlight some of the outstanding abstracts and presentations during AUTO12.