Neuroinvasion of SARS-CoV-2 by the Subunit of Spike Protein1
Although COVID-19 mainly affects human pulmonary system, some patients also suffer from neurological complications, such as headaches and impaired consciousness, or rare case with meningitis/encephalitis. The possibility of neuroinvasion of SARS-CoV-19, therefore, cannot be dismissed. Recently, a study reported that the spike protein on SARS-CoV-2 may alters the function of human blood-brain barrier (BBB). By using an 3D in-vitro models, scientists explored whether viral spike protein can affect primary human microvascular endothelia cells. After introducing spike protein to the BBB models, the barrier properties were significantly changed. The subunit S1 of the spike protein, which plays a key role in receptor recognition, caused a reduction of barrier integrity, increased BBB permeability and trigged pro-inflammatory responses.
References
1. Buzhdygan TP, et al. Neurobiol. Dis. 2020; 146: 105131
