Three-dimensional models of brain tissue have shown that although SARS-CoV-2 virus does not attack neurons, it can penetrate into cells present in the brain’s blood vessels. From there, it can infect other cells.
- New study shows that although the coronavirus does not directly attack neurons, it finds a doorway through which it manages to enter the brain
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Coronavirus and the brain
Experiments using three-dimensional models of brain tissue created by specialists at the University of California, San Diego, revealed a potential pathway by the COVID-19 virus to attack the brain.
– Clinical and epidemiological data indicate that the brain may be a target of SARS-CoV-2 infection – notes Prof. Joseph Gleeson, co-author of a study published in the journal Nature Medicine. The prospect of COVID-19-induced brain damage is one of the main concerns of ‘long COVID’, but laboratory-grown human neurons are not susceptible to infection. Earlier publications indicated, however, that cells that produce the cerebrospinal fluid can become infected, and other routes of infection are likely, the expert explains.
Researchers therefore developed complex three-dimensional models (known as assembloids) containing various brain cells. They observed a strong SARS-CoV-2 infection.
In fact, neurons were found to be immune to infection, but the coronavirus infected pericytes, cells present in blood vessels that have a receptor on the surface that allows SARS-CoV-2 to attach. Virions, viral particles, produced in large numbers in these cells, then penetrated into subsequent cells, leading to extensive damage. The primary target of the second infection were astrocytes – cells that support neurons.
This means that pericytes lying in the vessels may open the door to the brain for the virus. – Alternatively, infected pericytes can lead to inflammation of the blood vessels and thus to clots, strokes and bleeding – complications seen in many SARS-CoV2 patients hospitalized in intensive care units, says Prof. Gleeson.
The authors of the discovery are already working on improved asembloids that will contain entire blood vessels capable of transporting blood, which will allow for a better representation of the conditions in the living brain.
Knowledge about other diseases could also emerge from this research, the researchers believe.
Have you been infected with COVID-19 and are worried about the side effects? Check your health by performing a comprehensive test package for convalescents.
Marek Matacz mat / ekr / PAP
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