Are agonistic autoantibodies against G-protein coupled receptors involved in the development of long-term side effects of tumor chemotherapy?

Abstract

Metabolic syndrome and cardiomyopathies are long-term consequences of chemo- and radiotherapy and develop long after completing the initial tumor treatment. The slow progression of such late effects might be an indication of the involvement of autoimmune processes in the development of such follow-up consequences. Functionally active autoantibodies, which permanently stimulate relevant cell receptors, might be a crucial component. Here, we report the detection of functionally active agonistic autoantibodies such as the autoantibody against the adrenergic alpha1-receptor, the muscarinic M2-receptor, and the newly discovered autoantibody against the Mas-receptor in the plasma of a cancer survivor following chemotherapy treatment.