COVID Vaccines Not Linked to Common Causes of Myocarditis, Study Finds

A new study in Science Immunology provides insight into the immune responses among 23 people who developed myocarditis and/or pericarditis after mRNA COVID-19 vaccination. The study ruled out overexuberant antibodies in an autoimmune response but found that the vaccine is spurring a generalized, vigorous inflammatory response that leads to heart tissue inflammation and damage. The researchers concluded that the most likely explanation is that the immune systems of these individuals get a little too revved up and over-produce cytokine and cellular responses. The study may bring some relief when it does occur—self-resolving inflammation is less concerning than a difficult-to-treat autoimmune response.