1
|
Pawar P, Akolkar K, Saxena V. An integrated bioinformatics approach reveals the potential role of microRNA-30b-5p and let-7a-5p during SARS CoV-2 spike-1 mediated neuroinflammation. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 277:134329. [PMID: 39098684 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.134329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 07/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 induced neuroinflammation contributing to neurological sequelae is one of the critical outcomes of long-COVID, however underlying regulatory mechanisms involved therein are poorly understood. We deciphered the profile of dysregulated microRNAs, their targets, associated pathways, protein-protein interactions (PPI), transcription factor-hub genes interaction networks, hub genes-microRNA co-regulatory networks in SARS-CoV-2 Spike-1 (S1) stimulated microglial cells along with candidate drug prediction using RNA-sequencing and multiple bioinformatics approaches. We identified 11 dysregulated microRNAs in the S1-stimulated microglial cells (p < 0.05). KEGG analysis revealed involvement of important neuroinflammatory pathways such as MAPK signalling, PI3K-AKT signalling, Ras signalling and axon guidance. PPI analysis further identified 11 hub genes involved in these pathways. Real time PCR validation confirmed a significant upregulation of microRNA-30b-5p and let-7a-5p; proinflammatory cytokines- IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β, GM-CSF; and inflammatory genes- PIK3CA and AKT in the S1-stimulated microglial cells, while PTEN and SHIP1 expression was decreased as compared to the non-stimulated cells. Drug prediction analysis further indicated resveratrol, diclofenac and rapamycin as the potential drugs based on their degree of interaction with hub genes. Thus, targeting of these microRNAs and/or their intermediate signalling molecules would be a prospective immunotherapeutic approach in alleviating SARS-CoV-2-S1 mediated neuroinflammation; and needs further investigations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Puja Pawar
- Division of Immunology and Serology, ICMR-National Institute of Translational Virology & AIDS Research (NITVAR), MIDC, Bhosari, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Kadambari Akolkar
- Division of Immunology and Serology, ICMR-National Institute of Translational Virology & AIDS Research (NITVAR), MIDC, Bhosari, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Vandana Saxena
- Division of Immunology and Serology, ICMR-National Institute of Translational Virology & AIDS Research (NITVAR), MIDC, Bhosari, Pune, Maharashtra, India.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Beretti F, Gatti M, Ricchi F, Lipani F, Cortelli P, Cermelli C, Maraldi T. Neurotoxic effects of coronavirus: Potential implications in Alzheimer's onset and progression. Exp Neurol 2024; 380:114908. [PMID: 39089439 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2024.114908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 07/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
The COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, first affects the respiratory tract but evidence is emerging that the virus, reaching the central nervous system (CNS), can lead to severe neurological disorders. In particular, CoV infection could cause an acceleration of the neurodegenerative process. On the other hand, patients diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease (AD) develop more serious forms of COVID-19 with worse relapses. Therefore, understanding the connection between the two pathologies, AD and infection by coronavirus, could help in the development of new therapeutic approaches to counter them. We used the SH-SY5Y cell line differentiated into neurons, as widely used in studies of AD if supplemented with exogenous fibrillary β-amyloid (Aβ). As a glial counterpart, human microglia (HMC3) and astrocytic (D54MG) cell lines were used to create co-cultures with neurons via transwell systems. In these experimental models, we generated infection with the Human Coronavirus OC43 (HCoV-OC43), a low-risk model of SARS-CoV-2. Our results suggest that the infection by HCoV-OC43 leads to a neurotoxic effect not depending on an already present event of Aβ deposition. Indeed, unlike microglia, neurons and even more astrocytes are susceptible to CoV infection and, although the infection does not show a cytotoxic effect in the neurons in the first few days, significant alterations at a biochemical and morphological level have been observed, suggesting that the neurons are reacting to a stressful condition, including the prodromal and neurodegenerative features of AD. Interestingly, the interaction of infected astrocytes with the neurons resulted in the manifestation of signs of neurodegeneration, such as amyloid-beta deposition. By using exogenous fibrillary Aβ, as an AD in vitro model, our data suggest that there is an aggravating effect both on the infection itself and on the neurological disease progression. In conclusion, the results of this study suggest a causal interplay between HCoV-OC43 and neurological diseases and demonstrate that the co-presence of different CNS cell populations is the necessary condition to study the pathogenic effects in vitro as a whole.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Beretti
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena 41125, Italy
| | - Martina Gatti
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena 41125, Italy
| | - Francesco Ricchi
- Department of Surgery Medicine Dentistry and Morphological Sciences with an Interest in Transplant Oncology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Francesco Lipani
- Department of Surgery Medicine Dentistry and Morphological Sciences with an Interest in Transplant Oncology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Pietro Cortelli
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy; Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences (DiBiNeM), Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Italy
| | - Claudio Cermelli
- Department of Surgery Medicine Dentistry and Morphological Sciences with an Interest in Transplant Oncology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Tullia Maraldi
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena 41125, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Li Z, Shang D. NOD1 and NOD2: Essential Monitoring Partners in the Innate Immune System. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:9463-9479. [PMID: 39329913 PMCID: PMC11430502 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46090561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2024] [Revised: 08/24/2024] [Accepted: 08/26/2024] [Indexed: 09/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain containing 1 (NOD1) and NOD2 are pivotal cytoplasmic pattern-recognition receptors (PRRs) that exhibit remarkable evolutionary conservation. They possess the ability to discern specific peptidoglycan (PGN) motifs, thereby orchestrating innate immunity and contributing significantly to immune homeostasis maintenance. The comprehensive understanding of both the structure and function of NOD1 and NOD2 has been extensively elucidated. These receptors proficiently recognize an array of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) as well as pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), subsequently mediating inflammatory responses and autophagy. In recent years, emerging evidence has highlighted the crucial roles played by NOD1 and NOD2 in regulating infectious diseases, metabolic disorders, cancer, and autoimmune conditions, among others. Perturbation in either their loss or excessive activation can detrimentally impact immune homeostasis. This review offers a comprehensive overview of the structural characteristics, subcellular localization, activation mechanisms, and significant roles of NOD1 and NOD2 in innate immunity and related disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhenjia Li
- School of Life Science, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian 116081, China
| | - Dejing Shang
- School of Life Science, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian 116081, China
- Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotechnology and Drug Discovery, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian 116081, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Krishna VD, Chang A, Korthas H, Var SR, Seelig DM, Low WC, Li L, Cheeran MCJ. Impact of age and sex on neuroinflammation following SARS-CoV-2 infection in a murine model. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1404312. [PMID: 39077737 PMCID: PMC11284165 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1404312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the etiological agent of COVID-19, is known to infect people of all ages and both sexes. Senior populations have the greatest risk of severe COVID-19, and sexual dimorphism in clinical outcomes has been reported. Neurological symptoms are widely observed in COVID-19 patients, with many survivors exhibiting persistent neurological and cognitive impairment. The present study aims to investigate the impact of age and sex on the neuroinflammatory response to SARS-CoV-2 infection using a mouse model. Wild-type C57BL/6J mice were intranasally inoculated with SARS-CoV-2 lineage B.1.351, a variant known to infect mice. Older male mice exhibited a significantly greater weight loss and higher viral loads in the lung at 3 days post infection. Notably, no viral RNA was detected in the brains of infected mice. Nevertheless, expression of IL-6, TNF-α, and CCL-2 in the lung and brain increased with viral infection. RNA-seq transcriptomic analysis of brains showed that SARS-CoV-2 infection caused significant changes in gene expression profiles, implicating innate immunity, defense response to virus, and cerebrovascular and neuronal functions. These findings demonstrate that SARS-CoV-2 infection triggers a neuroinflammatory response, despite the lack of detectable virus in the brain. Aberrant activation of innate immune response, disruption of blood-brain barrier and endothelial cell integrity, and suppression of neuronal activity and axonogenesis underlie the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on the brain. Understanding the role of these affected pathways in SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis helps identify appropriate points of therapeutic interventions to alleviate neurological dysfunction observed during COVID-19.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Venkatramana D. Krishna
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, United States
| | - Allison Chang
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Holly Korthas
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Susanna R. Var
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Davis M. Seelig
- Comparative Pathology Shared Resource, Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Walter C. Low
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Ling Li
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Maxim C. -J. Cheeran
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, United States
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Liu X, Li H, Wang Y, Li S, Ren W, Yuan J, Pang Y. Discovering common pathogenetic processes between tuberculosis and COVID-19 by bioinformatics and system biology approach. Heliyon 2024; 10:e28664. [PMID: 38596062 PMCID: PMC11002586 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e28664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Background SARS-CoV-2, the cause of the COVID-19 pandemic, poses a significant threat to humanity. Individuals with pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) are at increased risk of developing severe COVID-19, due to long-term lung damage that heightens their susceptibility to full-blown disease. Methods Three COVID-19 datasets (GSE157103, GSE166253, and GSE171110) and one PTB dataset (GSE83456) were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus databases. Subsequently, data were subjected to weighted gene co-expression network analysis(WGCNA)followed by functional enrichment analysis using Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway databases. These analyses revealed two overlapping disease-specific modules, each comprising co-regulated genes with potentially related biological functions. Using Cytoscape, we visualised the interaction network containing common disease-related genes found within the intersection between modules and predicted transcription factors (TFs). Real-time qPCR was conducted to quantify expression levels of these genes in blood samples from COVID-19 and PTB patients. Finally, DisGeNET and the Drug Signatures database were employed to analyze these common genes, unveiling their connections to clinical disease features and potential drug treatments. Results Examination of the overlap between COVID-19 and PTB gene modules unveiled 11 common genes. Functional enrichment analyses using KEGG and GO shed light on potential functional relationships among these genes, providing insights into their potential roles in the heightened mortality of PTB patients due to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Furthermore, results of various bioinformatics-based analyses of common TFs and target genes led to identification of shared pathways and therapeutic targets for PTB patients with COVID-19, along with potential drug treatments for these patients. Conclusion Our results unveiled a potential biological connection between COVID-19 and PTB, as supported by results of functional enrichment analysis that highlighted potential biological processes and signaling pathways shared by both diseases. Building on these findings, we propose potential drug treatments for PTB patients with COVID-19, pending verification of drug safety and efficacy through laboratory and multicentre studies before clinical use.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Shanshan Li
- Department of Bacteriology and Immunology, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University/Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Research Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Weicong Ren
- Department of Bacteriology and Immunology, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University/Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Research Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Jinfeng Yuan
- Department of Bacteriology and Immunology, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University/Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Research Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Pang
- Department of Bacteriology and Immunology, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University/Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Research Institute, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Pulliam L, Sun B, McCafferty E, Soper SA, Witek MA, Hu M, Ford JM, Song S, Kapogiannis D, Glesby MJ, Merenstein D, Tien PC, Freasier H, French A, McKay H, Diaz MM, Ofotokun I, Lake JE, Margolick JB, Kim EY, Levine SR, Fischl MA, Li W, Martinson J, Tang N. Microfluidic Isolation of Neuronal-Enriched Extracellular Vesicles Shows Distinct and Common Neurological Proteins in Long COVID, HIV Infection and Alzheimer's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3830. [PMID: 38612641 PMCID: PMC11011771 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Revised: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Long COVID (LongC) is associated with a myriad of symptoms including cognitive impairment. We reported at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic that neuronal-enriched or L1CAM+ extracellular vesicles (nEVs) from people with LongC contained proteins associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Since that time, a subset of people with prior COVID infection continue to report neurological problems more than three months after infection. Blood markers to better characterize LongC are elusive. To further identify neuronal proteins associated with LongC, we maximized the number of nEVs isolated from plasma by developing a hybrid EV Microfluidic Affinity Purification (EV-MAP) technique. We isolated nEVs from people with LongC and neurological complaints, AD, and HIV infection with mild cognitive impairment. Using the OLINK platform that assesses 384 neurological proteins, we identified 11 significant proteins increased in LongC and 2 decreased (BST1, GGT1). Fourteen proteins were increased in AD and forty proteins associated with HIV cognitive impairment were elevated with one decreased (IVD). One common protein (BST1) was decreased in LongC and increased in HIV. Six proteins (MIF, ENO1, MESD, NUDT5, TNFSF14 and FYB1) were expressed in both LongC and AD and no proteins were common to HIV and AD. This study begins to identify differences and similarities in the neuronal response to LongC versus AD and HIV infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lynn Pulliam
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, San Francisco VA Health Care System, San Francisco, CA 94121, USA; (B.S.); (E.M.); (N.T.)
| | - Bing Sun
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, San Francisco VA Health Care System, San Francisco, CA 94121, USA; (B.S.); (E.M.); (N.T.)
| | - Erin McCafferty
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, San Francisco VA Health Care System, San Francisco, CA 94121, USA; (B.S.); (E.M.); (N.T.)
| | - Steven A. Soper
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA; (S.A.S.); (M.A.W.)
- Center of BioModular Multiscale Systems for Precision Medicine, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA
- Cancer Biology, The University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66103, USA;
- Bioengineering Program, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA
| | - Malgorzata A. Witek
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA; (S.A.S.); (M.A.W.)
- Center of BioModular Multiscale Systems for Precision Medicine, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA
- Cancer Biology, The University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66103, USA;
| | - Mengjia Hu
- Cancer Biology, The University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66103, USA;
| | - Judith M. Ford
- Department of Mental Health, San Francisco VA Health Care System, San Francisco, CA 94121, USA; (J.M.F.); (S.S.)
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Sarah Song
- Department of Mental Health, San Francisco VA Health Care System, San Francisco, CA 94121, USA; (J.M.F.); (S.S.)
| | - Dimitrios Kapogiannis
- Laboratory of Clinical Investigation, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 20892, USA;
| | - Marshall J. Glesby
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York City, NY 10021, USA;
| | - Daniel Merenstein
- Department of Family Medicine, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC 20007, USA;
| | - Phyllis C. Tien
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; (P.C.T.); (H.F.)
- Department of Medicine, San Francisco VA Health Care System, San Francisco, CA 94121, USA
| | - Heather Freasier
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; (P.C.T.); (H.F.)
| | - Audrey French
- Department of Medicine, Cook County Health, Chicago, IL 60612, USA;
| | - Heather McKay
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA;
| | - Monica M. Diaz
- Department of Neurology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA;
| | - Igho Ofotokun
- Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA;
| | - Jordan E. Lake
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Joseph B. Margolick
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA;
| | - Eun-Young Kim
- Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA;
| | - Steven R. Levine
- Department of Neurology, State University of New York College of Medicine and Downstate Medical Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA;
| | | | - Wei Li
- Department of Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences, University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA;
| | - Jeremy Martinson
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA;
| | - Norina Tang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, San Francisco VA Health Care System, San Francisco, CA 94121, USA; (B.S.); (E.M.); (N.T.)
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Wang M, Wang J, Ren Y, Lu L, Xiong W, Li L, Xu S, Tang M, Yuan Y, Xie Y, Li W, Chen L, Zhou D, Ying B, Li J. Current clinical findings of acute neurological syndromes after SARS-CoV-2 infection. MedComm (Beijing) 2024; 5:e508. [PMID: 38463395 PMCID: PMC10924641 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Neuro-COVID, a condition marked by persistent symptoms post-COVID-19 infection, notably affects various organs, with a particular focus on the central nervous system (CNS). Despite scant evidence of SARS-CoV-2 invasion in the CNS, the increasing incidence of Neuro-COVID cases indicates the onset of acute neurological symptoms early in infection. The Omicron variant, distinguished by heightened neurotropism, penetrates the CNS via the olfactory bulb. This direct invasion induces inflammation and neuronal damage, emphasizing the need for vigilance regarding potential neurological complications. Our multicenter study represents a groundbreaking revelation, documenting the definite presence of SARS-CoV-2 in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of a significant proportion of Neuro-COVID patients. Furthermore, notable differences emerged between RNA-CSF-positive and negative patients, encompassing aspects such as blood-brain barrier integrity, extent of neuronal damage, and the activation status of inflammation. Despite inherent limitations, this research provides pivotal insights into the intricate interplay between SARS-CoV-2 and the CNS, underscoring the necessity for ongoing research to fully comprehend the virus's enduring effects on the CNS. The findings underscore the urgency of continuous investigation Neuro-COVID to unravel the complexities of this relationship, and pivotal in addressing the long-term consequences of COVID-19 on neurological health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Minjin Wang
- Department of NeurologyWest China Hospital of Sichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
- Department of Laboratory MedicineWest China Hospital of Sichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
- Institute of Brain Science and Brain‐inspired TechnologyWest China Hospital of Sichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Jierui Wang
- Department of NeurologyWest China Hospital of Sichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
- Institute of Brain Science and Brain‐inspired TechnologyWest China Hospital of Sichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Yan Ren
- Department of Laboratory MedicineWest China Hospital of Sichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Lu Lu
- Department of NeurologyWest China Hospital of Sichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
- Institute of Brain Science and Brain‐inspired TechnologyWest China Hospital of Sichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Weixi Xiong
- Department of NeurologyWest China Hospital of Sichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
- Institute of Brain Science and Brain‐inspired TechnologyWest China Hospital of Sichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Lifeng Li
- Genskey Medical biotechnology Company LimitedBeijingChina
| | - Songtao Xu
- National Institute for Viral Disease Control and PreventionChinese Center for Disease Control and PreventionBeijingChina
| | - Meng Tang
- Department of Laboratory MedicineWest China Hospital of Sichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Yushang Yuan
- Department of Laboratory MedicineWest China Hospital of Sichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Yi Xie
- Department of Laboratory MedicineWest China Hospital of Sichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Weimin Li
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care MedicineWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Lei Chen
- Department of NeurologyWest China Hospital of Sichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
- Institute of Brain Science and Brain‐inspired TechnologyWest China Hospital of Sichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Dong Zhou
- Department of NeurologyWest China Hospital of Sichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
- Institute of Brain Science and Brain‐inspired TechnologyWest China Hospital of Sichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Binwu Ying
- Department of Laboratory MedicineWest China Hospital of Sichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Jinmei Li
- Department of NeurologyWest China Hospital of Sichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
- Institute of Brain Science and Brain‐inspired TechnologyWest China Hospital of Sichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Fernandes JP, Branton WG, Cohen EA, Koopman G, Kondova I, Gelman BB, Power C. Caspase cleavage of gasdermin E causes neuronal pyroptosis in HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder. Brain 2024; 147:717-734. [PMID: 37931057 PMCID: PMC10834258 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awad375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite effective antiretroviral therapies, 20-30% of persons with treated HIV infection develop a neurodegenerative syndrome termed HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND). HAND is driven by HIV expression coupled with inflammation in the brain but the mechanisms underlying neuronal damage and death are uncertain. The inflammasome-pyroptosis axis coordinates an inflammatory type of regulated lytic cell death that is underpinned by the caspase-activated pore-forming gasdermin proteins. The mechanisms driving neuronal pyroptosis were investigated herein in models of HAND, using multi-platform molecular and morphological approaches that included brain tissues from persons with HAND and simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)-infected non-human primates as well as cultured human neurons. Neurons in the frontal cortices from persons with HAND showed increased cleaved gasdermin E (GSDME), which was associated with β-III tubulin degradation and increased HIV levels. Exposure of cultured human neurons to the HIV-encoded viral protein R (Vpr) elicited time-dependent cleavage of GSDME and Ninjurin-1 (NINJ1) induction with associated cell lysis that was inhibited by siRNA suppression of both proteins. Upstream of GSDME cleavage, Vpr exposure resulted in activation of caspases-1 and 3. Pretreatment of Vpr-exposed neurons with the caspase-1 inhibitor, VX-765, reduced cleavage of both caspase-3 and GSDME, resulting in diminished cell death. To validate these findings, we examined frontal cortical tissues from SIV-infected macaques, disclosing increased expression of GSDME and NINJ1 in cortical neurons, which was co-localized with caspase-3 detection in animals with neurological disease. Thus, HIV infection of the brain triggers the convergent activation of caspases-1 and -3, which results in GSDME-mediated neuronal pyroptosis in persons with HAND. These findings demonstrate a novel mechanism by which a viral infection causes pyroptotic death in neurons while also offering new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for HAND and other neurodegenerative disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jason P Fernandes
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - William G Branton
- Department of Medicine (Neurology), University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R7, Canada
| | - Eric A Cohen
- Laboratory of Human Retrovirology, Institut de Recherches Cliniques Montreal (IRCM), Montreal, QC H2W 1R7, Canada
- Department of Microbiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Gerrit Koopman
- Department of Virology, Biomedical Primate Research Centre (BPRC), Rijswijk 2280 GH, The Netherlands
| | - Ivanela Kondova
- Department of Animal Science, Biomedical Primate Research Centre (BPRC), Rijswijk 2280 GH, The Netherlands
| | - Benjamin B Gelman
- Departments of Pathology and Neurobiology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555-0569, USA
| | - Christopher Power
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
- Department of Medicine (Neurology), University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R7, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Ravichandran KA, Heneka MT. Inflammasomes in neurological disorders - mechanisms and therapeutic potential. Nat Rev Neurol 2024; 20:67-83. [PMID: 38195712 DOI: 10.1038/s41582-023-00915-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
Inflammasomes are molecular scaffolds that are activated by damage-associated and pathogen-associated molecular patterns and form a key element of innate immune responses. Consequently, the involvement of inflammasomes in several diseases that are characterized by inflammatory processes, such as multiple sclerosis, is widely appreciated. However, many other neurological conditions, including Alzheimer disease, Parkinson disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, stroke, epilepsy, traumatic brain injury, sepsis-associated encephalopathy and neurological sequelae of COVID-19, all involve persistent inflammation in the brain, and increasing evidence suggests that inflammasome activation contributes to disease progression in these conditions. Understanding the biology and mechanisms of inflammasome activation is, therefore, crucial for the development of inflammasome-targeted therapies for neurological conditions. In this Review, we present the current evidence for and understanding of inflammasome activation in neurological diseases and discuss current and potential interventional strategies that target inflammasome activation to mitigate its pathological consequences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kishore Aravind Ravichandran
- Department of Neuroinflammation, Institute of innate immunity, University of Bonn Medical Center Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
| | - Michael T Heneka
- Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine (LCSB), University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg.
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, North Worcester, MA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Chen S, Liang J, Chen D, Huang Q, Sun K, Zhong Y, Lin B, Kong J, Sun J, Gong C, Wang J, Gao Y, Zhang Q, Sun H. Cerebrospinal fluid metabolomic and proteomic characterization of neurologic post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Brain Behav Immun 2024; 115:209-222. [PMID: 37858739 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2023.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2023] [Revised: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The mechanism by which SARS-CoV-2 causes neurological post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (neuro-PASC) remains unclear. Herein, we conducted proteomic and metabolomic analyses of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples from 21 neuro-PASC patients, 45 healthy volunteers, and 26 inflammatory neurological diseases patients. Our data showed 69 differentially expressed metabolites and six differentially expressed proteins between neuro-PASC patients and healthy individuals. Elevated sphinganine and ST1A1, sphingolipid metabolism disorder, and attenuated inflammatory responses may contribute to the occurrence of neuro-PASC, whereas decreased levels of 7,8-dihydropterin and activation of steroid hormone biosynthesis may play a role in the repair process. Additionally, a biomarker cohort consisting of sphinganine, 7,8-dihydroneopterin, and ST1A1 was preliminarily demonstrated to have high value in diagnosing neuro-PASC. In summary, our study represents the first attempt to integrate the diagnostic benefits of CSF with the methodological advantages of multi-omics, thereby offering valuable insights into the pathogenesis of neuro-PASC and facilitating the work of neuroscientists in disclosing different neurological dimensions associated with COVID-19.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shilan Chen
- Clinical Biobank Center, Microbiome Medicine Center, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510280, China; Neurosurgery Center, The National Key Clinical Specialty, The Engineering Technology Research Center of Education Ministry of China on Diagnosis and Treatment of Cerebrovascular Disease, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory on Brain Function Repair and Regeneration, The Neurosurgery Institute of Guangdong Province, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510280, China
| | - Jianhao Liang
- Clinical Biobank Center, Microbiome Medicine Center, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510280, China; Neurosurgery Center, The National Key Clinical Specialty, The Engineering Technology Research Center of Education Ministry of China on Diagnosis and Treatment of Cerebrovascular Disease, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory on Brain Function Repair and Regeneration, The Neurosurgery Institute of Guangdong Province, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510280, China
| | - Dingqiang Chen
- Clinical Biobank Center, Microbiome Medicine Center, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510280, China
| | - Qiyuan Huang
- Clinical Biobank Center, Microbiome Medicine Center, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510280, China
| | - Kaijian Sun
- Neurosurgery Center, The National Key Clinical Specialty, The Engineering Technology Research Center of Education Ministry of China on Diagnosis and Treatment of Cerebrovascular Disease, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory on Brain Function Repair and Regeneration, The Neurosurgery Institute of Guangdong Province, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510280, China
| | - Yuxia Zhong
- Clinical Biobank Center, Microbiome Medicine Center, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510280, China
| | - Baojia Lin
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510280, China
| | - Jingjing Kong
- Clinical Biobank Center, Microbiome Medicine Center, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510280, China
| | - Jiaduo Sun
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510280, China; Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510180, China
| | - Chengfang Gong
- Clinical Biobank Center, Microbiome Medicine Center, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510280, China; Neurosurgery Center, The National Key Clinical Specialty, The Engineering Technology Research Center of Education Ministry of China on Diagnosis and Treatment of Cerebrovascular Disease, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory on Brain Function Repair and Regeneration, The Neurosurgery Institute of Guangdong Province, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510280, China
| | - Jun Wang
- Neurosurgery Center, The National Key Clinical Specialty, The Engineering Technology Research Center of Education Ministry of China on Diagnosis and Treatment of Cerebrovascular Disease, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory on Brain Function Repair and Regeneration, The Neurosurgery Institute of Guangdong Province, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510280, China
| | - Ya Gao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China.
| | - Qingguo Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510280, China.
| | - Haitao Sun
- Clinical Biobank Center, Microbiome Medicine Center, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510280, China; Neurosurgery Center, The National Key Clinical Specialty, The Engineering Technology Research Center of Education Ministry of China on Diagnosis and Treatment of Cerebrovascular Disease, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory on Brain Function Repair and Regeneration, The Neurosurgery Institute of Guangdong Province, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510280, China; Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Di Primio C, Quaranta P, Mignanelli M, Siano G, Bimbati M, Scarlatti A, Piazza CR, Spezia PG, Perrera P, Basolo F, Poma AM, Costa M, Pistello M, Cattaneo A. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection leads to Tau pathological signature in neurons. PNAS NEXUS 2023; 2:pgad282. [PMID: 37731949 PMCID: PMC10508204 DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgad282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 has represented an issue for global health since its outbreak in March 2020. It is now evident that the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection results in a wide range of long-term neurological symptoms and is worryingly associated with the aggravation of Alzheimer's disease. Little is known about the molecular basis of these manifestations. Here, several strain variants were used to infect SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells and K18-hACE C57BL/6J mice. The Tau phosphorylation profile and aggregation propensity upon infection were investigated on cellular extracts, subcellular fractions, and brain tissue. The viral proteins spike, nucleocapsid, and membrane were overexpressed in SH-SY5Y cells, and the direct interaction and effect on Tau phosphorylation were checked using immunoblot experiments. Upon infection, Tau is phosphorylated at several pathological epitopes associated with Alzheimer's disease and other tauopathies. Moreover, this event increases Tau's propensity to form insoluble aggregates and alters its subcellular localization. Our data support the hypothesis that SARS-CoV-2 infection in the central nervous system triggers downstream effects altering Tau function, eventually leading to the impairment of neuronal function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Di Primio
- Institute of Neuroscience, Italian National Research Council (CNR), Pisa 56124, Italy
| | - Paola Quaranta
- Institute of Neuroscience, Italian National Research Council (CNR), Pisa 56124, Italy
- Retrovirus Center, Virology Section, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa 56100, Italy
| | - Marianna Mignanelli
- Laboratorio di Biologia Bio@SNS, Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa, Pisa 56126, Italy
| | - Giacomo Siano
- Laboratorio di Biologia Bio@SNS, Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa, Pisa 56126, Italy
| | - Matteo Bimbati
- Laboratorio di Biologia Bio@SNS, Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa, Pisa 56126, Italy
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, Verona 37134, Italy
| | - Arianna Scarlatti
- Laboratorio di Biologia Bio@SNS, Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa, Pisa 56126, Italy
| | - Carmen Rita Piazza
- Retrovirus Center, Virology Section, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa 56100, Italy
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena 53100, Italy
| | - Piero Giorgio Spezia
- Retrovirus Center, Virology Section, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa 56100, Italy
| | - Paola Perrera
- Retrovirus Center, Virology Section, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa 56100, Italy
| | - Fulvio Basolo
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa 56124, Italy
| | - Anello Marcello Poma
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa 56124, Italy
| | - Mario Costa
- Institute of Neuroscience, Italian National Research Council (CNR), Pisa 56124, Italy
| | - Mauro Pistello
- Retrovirus Center, Virology Section, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa 56100, Italy
- Virology Unit, Pisa University Hospital, Pisa 56100, Italy
| | - Antonino Cattaneo
- Laboratorio di Biologia Bio@SNS, Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa, Pisa 56126, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Krishna VD, Chang A, Korthas H, Var SR, Low WC, Li L, Cheeran MCJ. Impact of age and sex on neuroinflammation following SARS-CoV-2 infection in a murine model. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.11.552998. [PMID: 37645925 PMCID: PMC10462071 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.11.552998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the etiological agent for the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic, is known to infect people of all ages and both sexes. Senior populations have the greatest risk of severe disease, and sexual dimorphism in clinical outcomes has been reported in COVID-19. SARS-CoV-2 infection in humans can cause damage to multiple organ systems, including the brain. Neurological symptoms are widely observed in patients with COVID-19, with many survivors suffering from persistent neurological and cognitive impairment, potentially accelerating Alzheimer's disease. The present study aims to investigate the impact of age and sex on the neuroinflammatory response to SARS-CoV-2 infection using a mouse model. Wild-type C57BL/6 mice were inoculated, by intranasal route, with SARS-CoV-2 lineage B.1.351 variant known to infect mice. Older animals and in particular males exhibited a significantly greater weight loss starting at 4 dpi. In addition, male animals exhibited higher viral RNA loads and higher titers of infectious virus in the lung, which was particularly evident in males at 16 months of age. Notably, no viral RNA was detected in the brains of infected mice, regardless of age or sex. Nevertheless, expression of IL-6, TNF-α, and CCL-2 in the lung and brain was increased with viral infection. An unbiased brain RNA-seq/transcriptomic analysis showed that SARS-CoV-2 infection caused significant changes in gene expression profiles in the brain, with innate immunity, defense response to virus, cerebravascular and neuronal functions, as the major molecular networks affected. The data presented in this study show that SARS-CoV-2 infection triggers a neuroinflammatory response despite the lack of detectable virus in the brain. Age and sex have a modifying effect on this pathogenic process. Aberrant activation of innate immune response, disruption of blood-brain barrier and endothelial cell integrity, and supression of neuronal activity and axonogenesis underlie the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on the brain. Understanding the role of these affected pathways in SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis helps identify appropriate points of therapeutic interventions to alleviate neurological dysfunction observed during COVID-19.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Venkatramana D. Krishna
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN 55108, USA
| | | | - Holly Korthas
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology
| | - Susanna R. Var
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Walter C. Low
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Ling Li
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology
| | - Maxim C-J. Cheeran
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN 55108, USA
| |
Collapse
|