AUTHOR=Xu Tiantian , Zhang Jiamin , Hou Xiangyuan , Xie Xinyu , Qi Junye , Wang Changbing , Yan Yuqing , Kuang Lu , Zhu Bing 

TITLE=MIS-C pathogenesis: immune dysregulation & viral triggers

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Immunology

VOLUME=Volume 16 - 2025

YEAR=2025

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/immunology/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2025.1624963

DOI=10.3389/fimmu.2025.1624963

ISSN=1664-3224

ABSTRACT=Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) is a serious condition emerging during the COVID-19 pandemic, strongly associated with prior SARS-CoV-2 infection. Characterized by systemic inflammation affecting multiple organs, MIS-C presents a complex clinical picture including fever, gastrointestinal distress, cardiac dysfunction, and neurological manifestations. Although its exact pathogenesis remains incompletely understood, immune dysregulation is recognized as a central mechanism. This review examines current understanding of MIS-C pathogenesis, focusing on immune dysfunction and viral triggers, particularly SARS-CoV-2. We analyze both innate and adaptive immune responses, cytokine storm dynamics, molecular mimicry, and virus-induced inflammatory cascades. Additionally, we discuss potential immunomodulatory therapeutic strategies and identify future research directions to improve MIS-C management and treatment outcomes.