Do cross-reactive antibodies cause neuropathology in COVID-19?

Neurological symptoms are seen in patients with COVID-19 and can persist or re-emerge after clearance of SARS-CoV-2. Recent findings suggest that antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 can cross-react with mammalian proteins. Focusing on neurological symptoms, we discuss whether these cross-reactive antibodies could contribute to COVID-19 disease pathology and to the persistence of symptoms in patients who have cleared the initial viral infection. Neurological symptoms are increasingly being observed in patients with COVID-19; this Comment article considers whether cross-reactive antibodies might contribute to the pathology associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection.