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Martinez TE, Mayilsamy K, Mohapatra SS, Mohapatra S. Modulation of Paracellular Permeability in SARS-CoV-2 Blood-to-Brain Transcytosis. Viruses 2024; 16:785. [PMID: 38793666 PMCID: PMC11126142 DOI: 10.3390/v16050785] [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: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 primarily infects the lungs via the ACE2 receptor but also other organs including the kidneys, the gastrointestinal tract, the heart, and the skin. SARS-CoV-2 also infects the brain, but the hematogenous route of viral entry to the brain is still not fully characterized. Understanding how SARS-CoV-2 traverses the blood-brain barrier (BBB) as well as how it affects the molecular functions of the BBB are unclear. In this study, we investigated the roles of the receptors ACE2 and DPP4 in the SARS-CoV-2 infection of the discrete cellular components of a transwell BBB model comprising HUVECs, astrocytes, and pericytes. Our results demonstrate that direct infection on the BBB model does not modulate paracellular permeability. Also, our results show that SARS-CoV-2 utilizes clathrin and caveolin-mediated endocytosis to traverse the BBB, resulting in the direct infection of the brain side of the BBB model with a minimal endothelial infection. In conclusion, the BBB is susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection in multiple ways, including the direct infection of endothelium, astrocytes, and pericytes involving ACE2 and/or DPP4 and the blood-to-brain transcytosis, which is an event that does not require the presence of host receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor E Martinez
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
- James A Haley VA Hospital, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Karthick Mayilsamy
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
- James A Haley VA Hospital, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Shyam S Mohapatra
- James A Haley VA Hospital, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Subhra Mohapatra
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
- James A Haley VA Hospital, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
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2
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Dong Y, Xu T, Yuan L, Wang Y, Yu S, Wang Z, Chen S, Chen C, He W, Stewart T, Zhang W, Yang X. Cerebrospinal fluid efflux through dynamic paracellular pores on venules as a missing piece of the brain drainage system. EXPLORATION (BEIJING, CHINA) 2024; 4:20230029. [PMID: 38855622 PMCID: PMC11022608 DOI: 10.1002/exp.20230029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
The glymphatic system plays a key role in the clearance of waste from the parenchyma, and its dysfunction has been associated with the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, questions remain regarding its complete mechanisms. Here, we report that efflux of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)/interstitial fluid (ISF) solutes occurs through a triphasic process that cannot be explained by the current model, but rather hints at the possibility of other, previously undiscovered routes from paravenous spaces to the blood. Using real-time, in vivo observation of efflux, a novel drainage pathway was discovered, in which CSF molecules enter the bloodstream directly through dynamically assembled, trumpet-shaped pores (basolateral ϕ<8 μm; apical ϕ < 2 μm) on the walls of brain venules. As Zn2+ could facilitate the brain clearance of macromolecular ISF solutes, Zn2+-induced reconstruction of the tight junctions (TJs) in vascular endothelial cells may participate in pore formation. Thus, an updated model for glymphatic clearance of brain metabolites and potential regulation is postulated. In addition, deficient clearance of Aβ through these asymmetric venule pores was observed in AD model mice, supporting the notion that impaired brain drainage function contributes to Aβ accumulation and pathogenic dilation of the perivascular space in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaqiong Dong
- Institute of Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, College of MedicineQingdao UniversityQingdaoChina
- The State Key Laboratories of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs and Department of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmaceutical SciencesPeking University Health Science CenterBeijingChina
| | - Ting Xu
- The State Key Laboratories of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs and Department of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmaceutical SciencesPeking University Health Science CenterBeijingChina
| | - Lan Yuan
- The State Key Laboratories of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs and Department of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmaceutical SciencesPeking University Health Science CenterBeijingChina
| | - Yahan Wang
- The State Key Laboratories of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs and Department of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmaceutical SciencesPeking University Health Science CenterBeijingChina
| | - Siwang Yu
- The State Key Laboratories of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs and Department of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmaceutical SciencesPeking University Health Science CenterBeijingChina
| | - Zhi Wang
- The State Key Laboratories of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs and Department of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmaceutical SciencesPeking University Health Science CenterBeijingChina
| | - Shizhu Chen
- The National Institutes of Pharmaceutical R&D Co., Ltd.China Resources Pharmaceutical Group LimitedBeijingChina
| | - Chunhua Chen
- Department of Anatomy and HistologyPeking University Health Science CenterBeijingChina
| | - Weijiang He
- State Key Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry, Coordination Chemistry Institute, School of Chemistry and Chemical EngineeringNanjing UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Tessandra Stewart
- Department of PathologyUniversity of Washington School of MedicineSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | - Weiguang Zhang
- Department of Anatomy and HistologyPeking University Health Science CenterBeijingChina
| | - Xiaoda Yang
- The State Key Laboratories of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs and Department of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmaceutical SciencesPeking University Health Science CenterBeijingChina
- SATCM Key Laboratory of Compound Drug DetoxificationPeking University Health Science CenterBeijingChina
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3
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Rittmannsberger H, Barth M, Lamprecht B, Malik P, Yazdi-Zorn K. [Interaction of somatic findings and psychiatric symptoms in COVID-19. A scoping review]. NEUROPSYCHIATRIE : KLINIK, DIAGNOSTIK, THERAPIE UND REHABILITATION : ORGAN DER GESELLSCHAFT OSTERREICHISCHER NERVENARZTE UND PSYCHIATER 2024; 38:1-23. [PMID: 38055146 DOI: 10.1007/s40211-023-00487-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
An infection with SARS-CoV‑2 can affect the central nervous system, leading to neurological as well as psychiatric symptoms. In this respect, mechanisms of inflammation seem to be of much greater importance than the virus itself. This paper deals with the possible contributions of organic changes to psychiatric symptomatology and deals especially with delirium, cognitive symptoms, depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder and psychosis. Processes of neuroinflammation with infection of capillary endothelial cells and activation of microglia and astrocytes releasing high amounts of cytokines seem to be of key importance in all kinds of disturbances. They can lead to damage in grey and white matter, impairment of cerebral metabolism and loss of connectivity. Such neuroimmunological processes have been described as a organic basis for many psychiatric disorders, as affective disorders, psychoses and dementia. As the activation of the glia cells can persist for a long time after the offending agent has been cleared, this can contribute to long term sequalae of the infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans Rittmannsberger
- Abteilung Psychiatrie und psychotherapeutische Medizin, Pyhrn-Eisenwurzen Klinikum Steyr, Steyr, Österreich.
| | - Martin Barth
- Abteilung Psychiatrie und psychotherapeutische Medizin, Pyhrn-Eisenwurzen Klinikum Steyr, Steyr, Österreich
| | - Bernd Lamprecht
- Med Campus III, Universitätsklinik für Innere Medizin mit Schwerpunkt Pneumologie, Kepler Universitätsklinikum GmbH, Linz, Österreich
- Medizinische Fakultät, Johannes Kepler Universität Linz, Linz, Österreich
| | - Peter Malik
- Abteilung Psychiatrie und psychotherapeutische Medizin, Pyhrn-Eisenwurzen Klinikum Steyr, Steyr, Österreich
| | - Kurosch Yazdi-Zorn
- Neuromed Campus, Klinik für Psychiatrie mit Schwerpunkt Suchtmedizin, Kepler Universitätsklinikum GmbH, Linz, Österreich
- Medizinische Fakultät, Johannes Kepler Universität Linz, Linz, Österreich
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4
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Magro C, Tili E, Nuovo G. Disruption of the blood-brain barrier is correlated with spike endocytosis by ACE2 + endothelia in the CNS microvasculature in fatal COVID-19. Scientific commentary on "Detection of blood-brain barrier disruption in brains of patients with COVID-19, but no evidence of brain penetration by SARS-CoV-2". Acta Neuropathol 2024; 147:47. [PMID: 38413411 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-023-02681-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia Magro
- Distinguished Professor of Pathology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, NY, NY, USA
| | - Esmerina Tili
- Department of Anesthesiology, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Gerard Nuovo
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA.
- CMO - GNOMEDX, Powell, OH, USA.
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5
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Lu ML, Zhu JW, Wu JL, Lv LY, Liu L, Kong GQ, Ding CL, Yu Y, Pan L. Insomnia among coronavirus disease 2019 survivors: A single-center cross-sectional study. Medicine (Baltimore) 2024; 103:e37311. [PMID: 38363887 PMCID: PMC10869043 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000037311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Since the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic, insomnia has become one of the longer COVID-19 symptoms. This study aimed to investigate insomnia among COVID-19 survivors and explore the occurrence and influencing factors of insomnia. A cross-sectional study was performed from December 2022 to February 2023 through an online questionnaire star survey with 8 questions. The insomnia severity index scale (ISI) was used to assess the severity of insomnia. Univariate analysis was used to analyze the factors related to COVID-19 infection. A total of 564 participants (183 males and 381 females) were surveyed in the present study. The prevalence of insomnia was 63.12%. Among these insomnia patients, there were 202 (35.82%) with sub-threshold symptoms, 116 (20.57%) with moderate symptoms, and 38 (6.74%) with severe symptoms. Univariate analysis indicated that there were statistically significant differences in the prevalence of insomnia among COVID-19 survivors of different ages, occupations, and educational levels (P < .05). Of the 356 insomnia patients, 185 (51.97%) did not take any measures against insomnia, while those who took drugs only, physical exercise only, drugs and physical exercise, and other measures were 90 (25.28%), 42 (11.80%), 17 (4.78%), and 22 (6.18%), respectively. Additionally, of the 107 insomnia patients with drug therapy, 17 (15.89%) took estazolam, 16 (14.95%) took alprazolam, 39 (36.45%) took zopiclone, and 35 (32.71%) took other drugs to improve insomnia symptoms. The prevalence of insomnia symptoms remains high among COVID-19 survivors in China. Education level and occupation may be the influencing factors. Unfortunately, most patients with insomnia do not take corresponding treatment measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man-Lu Lu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, China
| | - Ji-Wei Zhu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, China
| | - Jing-Lin Wu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, China
| | - Liang-Yan Lv
- Institute of Clinical Drug Trials, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, China
| | - Lu Liu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, China
| | - Gui-Qing Kong
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, China
| | - Chang-Ling Ding
- Institute of Clinical Drug Trials, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, China
| | - Yan Yu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, China
| | - Lei Pan
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, China
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6
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Igyártó BZ, Qin Z. The mRNA-LNP vaccines - the good, the bad and the ugly? Front Immunol 2024; 15:1336906. [PMID: 38390323 PMCID: PMC10883065 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1336906] [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: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The mRNA-LNP vaccine has received much attention during the COVID-19 pandemic since it served as the basis of the most widely used SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in Western countries. Based on early clinical trial data, these vaccines were deemed safe and effective for all demographics. However, the latest data raise serious concerns about the safety and effectiveness of these vaccines. Here, we review some of the safety and efficacy concerns identified to date. We also discuss the potential mechanism of observed adverse events related to the use of these vaccines and whether they can be mitigated by alterations of this vaccine mechanism approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Botond Z. Igyártó
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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7
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Meinhardt J, Streit S, Dittmayer C, Manitius RV, Radbruch H, Heppner FL. The neurobiology of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Nat Rev Neurosci 2024; 25:30-42. [PMID: 38049610 DOI: 10.1038/s41583-023-00769-8] [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: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
Worldwide, over 694 million people have been infected with SARS-CoV-2, with an estimated 55-60% of those infected developing COVID-19. Since the beginning of the pandemic in December 2019, different variants of concern have appeared and continue to occur. With the emergence of different variants, an increasing rate of vaccination and previous infections, the acute neurological symptomatology of COVID-19 changed. Moreover, 10-45% of individuals with a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection experience symptoms even 3 months after disease onset, a condition that has been defined as 'post-COVID-19' by the World Health Organization and that occurs independently of the virus variant. The pathomechanisms of COVID-19-related neurological complaints have become clearer during the past 3 years. To date, there is no overt - that is, truly convincing - evidence for SARS-CoV-2 particles in the brain. In this Review, we put special emphasis on discussing the methodological difficulties of viral detection in CNS tissue and discuss immune-based (systemic and central) effects contributing to COVID-19-related CNS affection. We sequentially review the reported changes to CNS cells in COVID-19, starting with the blood-brain barrier and blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier - as systemic factors from the periphery appear to primarily influence barriers and conduits - before we describe changes in brain parenchymal cells, including microglia, astrocytes, neurons and oligodendrocytes as well as cerebral lymphocytes. These findings are critical to understanding CNS affection in acute COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 in order to translate these findings into treatment options, which are still very limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Meinhardt
- Department of Neuropathology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Simon Streit
- Department of Neuropathology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Carsten Dittmayer
- Department of Neuropathology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Regina V Manitius
- Department of Neuropathology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Helena Radbruch
- Department of Neuropathology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Frank L Heppner
- Department of Neuropathology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany.
- Cluster of Excellence, NeuroCure, Berlin, Germany.
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
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8
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Badawi AH, Mohamad NA, Stanslas J, Kirby BP, Neela VK, Ramasamy R, Basri H. In Vitro Blood-Brain Barrier Models for Neuroinfectious Diseases: A Narrative Review. Curr Neuropharmacol 2024; 22:1344-1373. [PMID: 38073104 PMCID: PMC11092920 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x22666231207114346] [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: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a complex, dynamic, and adaptable barrier between the peripheral blood system and the central nervous system. While this barrier protects the brain and spinal cord from inflammation and infection, it prevents most drugs from reaching the brain tissue. With the expanding interest in the pathophysiology of BBB, the development of in vitro BBB models has dramatically evolved. However, due to the lack of a standard model, a range of experimental protocols, BBB-phenotype markers, and permeability flux markers was utilized to construct in vitro BBB models. Several neuroinfectious diseases are associated with BBB dysfunction. To conduct neuroinfectious disease research effectively, there stems a need to design representative in vitro human BBB models that mimic the BBB's functional and molecular properties. The highest necessity is for an in vitro standardised BBB model that accurately represents all the complexities of an intact brain barrier. Thus, this in-depth review aims to describe the optimization and validation parameters for building BBB models and to discuss previous research on neuroinfectious diseases that have utilized in vitro BBB models. The findings in this review may serve as a basis for more efficient optimisation, validation, and maintenance of a structurally- and functionally intact BBB model, particularly for future studies on neuroinfectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Hussein Badawi
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Nur Afiqah Mohamad
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
- Centre for Foundation Studies, Lincoln University College, 47301, Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Johnson Stanslas
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Brian Patrick Kirby
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Vasantha Kumari Neela
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Rajesh Ramasamy
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Hamidon Basri
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
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9
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Magaki S, Zhang T, Han K, Hilda M, Yong WH, Achim C, Fishbein G, Fishbein MC, Garner O, Salamon N, Williams CK, Valdes-Sueiras MA, Hsu JJ, Kelesidis T, Mathisen GE, Lavretsky H, Singer EJ, Vinters HV. HIV and COVID-19: two pandemics with significant (but different) central nervous system complications. FREE NEUROPATHOLOGY 2024; 5:5-5. [PMID: 38469363 PMCID: PMC10925920 DOI: 10.17879/freeneuropathology-2024-5343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) cause significant neurologic disease. Central nervous system (CNS) involvement of HIV has been extensively studied, with well-documented invasion of HIV into the brain in the initial stage of infection, while the acute effects of SARS-CoV-2 in the brain are unclear. Neuropathologic features of active HIV infection in the brain are well characterized whereas neuropathologic findings in acute COVID-19 are largely non-specific. On the other hand, neuropathologic substrates of chronic dysfunction in both infections, as HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) and post-COVID conditions (PCC)/long COVID are unknown. Thus far, neuropathologic studies on patients with HAND in the era of combined antiretroviral therapy have been inconclusive, and autopsy studies on patients diagnosed with PCC have yet to be published. Further longitudinal, multidisciplinary studies on patients with HAND and PCC and neuropathologic studies in comparison to controls are warranted to help elucidate the mechanisms of CNS dysfunction in both conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shino Magaki
- Section of Neuropathology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles CA, USA
| | - Ting Zhang
- Section of Neuropathology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles CA, USA
| | - Karam Han
- Section of Neuropathology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles CA, USA
| | - Mirbaha Hilda
- Section of Neuropathology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles CA, USA
| | - William H. Yong
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California-Irvine School of Medicine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Cristian Achim
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Gregory Fishbein
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Michael C. Fishbein
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Omai Garner
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Noriko Salamon
- Department of Radiological Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Christopher K. Williams
- Section of Neuropathology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles CA, USA
| | - Miguel A. Valdes-Sueiras
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jeffrey J. Hsu
- Division of Cardiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Theodoros Kelesidis
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Glenn E. Mathisen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Olive View-University of California Los Angeles Medical Center, Sylmar, CA, USA
| | - Helen Lavretsky
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Elyse J. Singer
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Harry V. Vinters
- Section of Neuropathology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles CA, USA
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Brain Research Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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10
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Perico L, Benigni A, Remuzzi G. SARS-CoV-2 and the spike protein in endotheliopathy. Trends Microbiol 2024; 32:53-67. [PMID: 37393180 PMCID: PMC10258582 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2023.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of COVID-19, primarily affects the epithelial compartment in the upper and lower airways. There is evidence that the microvasculature in both the pulmonary and extrapulmonary systems is a major target of SARS-CoV-2. Consistent with this, vascular dysfunction and thrombosis are the most severe complications in COVID-19. The proinflammatory milieu triggered by the hyperactivation of the immune system by SARS-CoV-2 has been suggested to be the main trigger for endothelial dysfunction during COVID-19. More recently, a rapidly growing number of reports have indicated that SARS-CoV-2 can interact directly with endothelial cells through the spike protein, leading to multiple instances of endothelial dysfunction. Here, we describe all the available findings showing the direct effect of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein on endothelial cells and offer mechanistic insights into the molecular basis of vascular dysfunction in severe COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Perico
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Centro Anna Maria Astori, Bergamo, Italy.
| | - Ariela Benigni
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Centro Anna Maria Astori, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Remuzzi
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Centro Anna Maria Astori, Bergamo, Italy
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11
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Kuchler T, Hausinger R, Braunisch MC, Günthner R, Wicklein R, Knier B, Bleidißel N, Maier M, Ribero A, Lech M, Adorjan K, Stubbe H, Kotilar K, Heemann U, Schmaderer C. All eyes on PCS: analysis of the retinal microvasculature in patients with post-COVID syndrome-study protocol of a 1 year prospective case-control study. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2023:10.1007/s00406-023-01724-5. [PMID: 38041762 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-023-01724-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
Since widespread vaccination against COVID-19, the development of effective antiviral drugs, and the decreasing number of patients with COVID-19 in intensive care, the risk from SARS-CoV-2 infection appears less threatening. However, studies show that a significant number of patients suffer from long-term sequelae, even months after SARS-CoV-2 infection. The so-called post-COVID syndrome (PCS) often presents a diagnostic and treatment challenge for physicians. This study protocol describes the "All Eyes on PCS" study, which aims to investigate the retinal microvasculature in PCS patients and COVID-19-recovered patients to provide new insights into the pathophysiology of PCS. "All Eyes on PCS" is a prospective, case-control study with the primary objective of detecting endothelial dysfunction (ED) in patients with PCS. Therefore, we intend to recruit patients with PCS, fully SARS-CoV-2-infection-recovered (CR) participants, and SARS-CoV-2-infection-naïve (CN) participants. Baseline measurements will include: (1) patient-specific characteristics, (2) biochemistry, (3) retinal vessel analysis (RVA), (4) survey questionnaires as patient-reported outcomes measurements (PROMs), (5) optical coherence tomography (OCT), OCT angiography (OCTA), and adaptive optics (AO), (6) blood pressure recordings, (7) handgrip strength test. After 6 months, baseline measurements will be repeated in the PCS cohort, and after 1 year, a telephone query will be conducted to assess residual symptoms and treatment needs. The aim of this study is to gain insight into the pathophysiology of PCS and to provide an objective biomarker for diagnosis and treatment, while also creating a comprehensive clinical database of PCS patients.ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05635552; Date: 2.12.2022.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timon Kuchler
- Department of Nephrology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany.
| | - Renate Hausinger
- Department of Nephrology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Matthias C Braunisch
- Department of Nephrology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Roman Günthner
- Department of Nephrology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Rebecca Wicklein
- Department of Neurology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Benjamin Knier
- Department of Neurology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Nathalie Bleidißel
- Department of Ophthalmology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Matthias Maier
- Department of Ophthalmology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Andrea Ribero
- Department of Nephrology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, LMU University Hospital Munich, Ziemssenstraße 5, 80336, Munich, Germany
| | - Maciej Lech
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, LMU University Hospital Munich, Ziemssenstraße 5, 80336, Munich, Germany
| | - Kristina Adorjan
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, LMU University Hospital Munich, Nußbaumstraße 7, 80336, Munich, Germany
| | - Hans Stubbe
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik II, LMU University Hospital Munich, Marchioninistraße 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Konstantin Kotilar
- Aachen University of Applied Sciences, Heinrich-Mussmann-Str. 1, 52428, Jülich, Germany
| | - Uwe Heemann
- Department of Nephrology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Christoph Schmaderer
- Department of Nephrology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany.
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12
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Asano R, Hayashi K, Kawahara E, Sato M, Miura T. Three Types of Demyelination, Perivenous, Confluent, and Perineuronal Nets-Rich in a COVID-19 Patient With Meningoencephalomyelitis. Cureus 2023; 15:e51049. [PMID: 38269235 PMCID: PMC10805624 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.51049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurologic symptoms are common in COVID-19, and a variety of neuropathological changes have been reported. One of the important neuropathological findings is demyelination. However, the underlying pathogenesis of demyelination remained poorly understood. We witnessed a case of COVID-19 with distinct types of demyelination in the cerebrum, medulla oblongata, and spinal canal, who died of sepsis. The postmortem examination showed the solitary massive demyelination in the medulla oblongata. The massive lesion was filled with components of perineuronal nets. In the spinal canal, confluent demyelination in bilateral lateral and dorsal funiculi was detected over the entire length from C1 to S5, which was maximum at the level of cervical spinal canal stenosis. Demyelination in the cerebrum was mainly perivenular, and augmented in the area of lacunar infarcts and dilated perivascular spaces. Considering the distribution patterns of the following three types of demyelination, the traces of viral spreading could be highlighted. Discontinuous perivenous demyelination in the cerebrum showed the result of hematogenous spreading. Longitudinal confluent demyelination of the spinal cord should be the picturesque of the trace of axonal spreading. The distribution of demyelination was possibly modified by the underlying diseases, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and spinal canal stenosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rei Asano
- Department of Rehabilitation, Fukui General Hospital, Fukui, JPN
| | - Koji Hayashi
- Department of Rehabilitation, Fukui General Hospital, Fukui, JPN
| | - Ei Kawahara
- Department of Pathology, Fukui General Hospital, Fukui, JPN
| | - Mamiko Sato
- Department of Rehabilitation, Fukui General Hospital, Fukui, JPN
| | - Toyoaki Miura
- Department of Rehabilitation, Fukui General Hospital, Fukui, JPN
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13
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Scheim DE, Vottero P, Santin AD, Hirsh AG. Sialylated Glycan Bindings from SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein to Blood and Endothelial Cells Govern the Severe Morbidities of COVID-19. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17039. [PMID: 38069362 PMCID: PMC10871123 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242317039] [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: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Consistent with well-established biochemical properties of coronaviruses, sialylated glycan attachments between SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (SP) and host cells are key to the virus's pathology. SARS-CoV-2 SP attaches to and aggregates red blood cells (RBCs), as shown in many pre-clinical and clinical studies, causing pulmonary and extrapulmonary microthrombi and hypoxia in severe COVID-19 patients. SARS-CoV-2 SP attachments to the heavily sialylated surfaces of platelets (which, like RBCs, have no ACE2) and endothelial cells (having minimal ACE2) compound this vascular damage. Notably, experimentally induced RBC aggregation in vivo causes the same key morbidities as for severe COVID-19, including microvascular occlusion, blood clots, hypoxia and myocarditis. Key risk factors for COVID-19 morbidity, including older age, diabetes and obesity, are all characterized by markedly increased propensity to RBC clumping. For mammalian species, the degree of clinical susceptibility to COVID-19 correlates to RBC aggregability with p = 0.033. Notably, of the five human betacoronaviruses, the two common cold strains express an enzyme that releases glycan attachments, while the deadly SARS, SARS-CoV-2 and MERS do not, although viral loads for COVID-19 and the two common cold infections are similar. These biochemical insights also explain the previously puzzling clinical efficacy of certain generics against COVID-19 and may support the development of future therapeutic strategies for COVID-19 and long COVID patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- David E Scheim
- US Public Health Service, Commissioned Corps, Inactive Reserve, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA
| | - Paola Vottero
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1Z2, Canada
| | - Alessandro D Santin
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, P.O. Box 208063, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
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14
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Zhang Q, Bignotti A, Yada N, Ye Z, Liu S, Han Z, Zheng XL. Dynamic Assessment of Plasma von Willebrand Factor and ADAMTS13 Predicts Mortality in Hospitalized Patients with SARS-CoV-2 Infection. J Clin Med 2023; 12:7174. [PMID: 38002786 PMCID: PMC10672082 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12227174] [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: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Plasma levels of von Willebrand factor (VWF) are significantly elevated in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, dynamic changes and prognostic value of this biomarker in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 have not been determined. METHODS A total of 124 patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 were prospectively recruited for the study. Serial blood samples were obtained at the time of admission (D1), 3-4 days following standard-care treatments (D2), and 1-2 days prior to discharge or any time collected prior to death (D3). Plasma VWF antigen, ADAMTS13 antigen, and ADAMTS13 proteolytic activity, as well as the ratio of VWF/ADAMTS13 were determined, followed by various statistical analyses. RESULTS On admission, plasma levels of VWF in COVID-19 patients were significantly elevated compared with those in the healthy controls, but no statistical significance was detected among patients with different disease severity. Plasma ADAMTS13 activity but not its antigen levels were significantly lower in patients with severe or critical COVID-19 compared with that in other patient groups. Interestingly, the ratios of plasma VWF antigen to ADAMTS13 antigen were significantly higher in patients with severe or critical COVID-19 than in those with mild to moderate disease. More importantly, plasma levels of VWF and the ratios of VWF/ADAMTS13 were persistently elevated in patients with COVID-19 throughout hospitalization. Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazard regression analyses demonstrated that an increased plasma level of VWF or ratio of VWF/ADAMTS13 at D2 and D3 was associated with an increased mortality rate. CONCLUSIONS Persistent endotheliopathy, marked by the elevated levels of plasma VWF or VWF/ADAMTS13 ratio, is present in all hospitalized patients following SARS-CoV-2 infection, which is strongly associated with mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quan Zhang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China
| | - Antonia Bignotti
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Noritaka Yada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Zhan Ye
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Szumam Liu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Zhe Han
- Center for Precision Disease Modeling, Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 670 West Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - X. Long Zheng
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, The University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
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15
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Prieto-Villalobos J, Lucero CM, Rovegno M, Gómez GI, Retamal MA, Orellana JA. SARS-CoV-2 spike protein S1 activates Cx43 hemichannels and disturbs intracellular Ca 2+ dynamics. Biol Res 2023; 56:56. [PMID: 37876016 PMCID: PMC10598968 DOI: 10.1186/s40659-023-00468-9] [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: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). An aspect of high uncertainty is whether the SARS-CoV-2 per se or the systemic inflammation induced by viral infection directly affects cellular function and survival in different tissues. It has been postulated that tissue dysfunction and damage observed in COVID-19 patients may rely on the direct effects of SARS-CoV-2 viral proteins. Previous evidence indicates that the human immunodeficiency virus and its envelope protein gp120 increase the activity of connexin 43 (Cx43) hemichannels with negative repercussions for cellular function and survival. Here, we evaluated whether the spike protein S1 of SARS-CoV-2 could impact the activity of Cx43 hemichannels. RESULTS We found that spike S1 time and dose-dependently increased the activity of Cx43 hemichannels in HeLa-Cx43 cells, as measured by dye uptake experiments. These responses were potentiated when the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) was expressed in HeLa-Cx43 cells. Patch clamp experiments revealed that spike S1 increased unitary current events with conductances compatible with Cx43 hemichannels. In addition, Cx43 hemichannel opening evoked by spike S1 triggered the release of ATP and increased the [Ca2+]i dynamics elicited by ATP. CONCLUSIONS We hypothesize that Cx43 hemichannels could represent potential pharmacological targets for developing therapies to counteract SARS-CoV-2 infection and their long-term consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Prieto-Villalobos
- Departamento de Neurología, Escuela de Medicina and Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencias, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Marcoleta 391, Santiago, Chile
| | - Claudia M Lucero
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Maximiliano Rovegno
- Departamento de Medicina Intensiva, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Gonzalo I Gómez
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Mauricio A Retamal
- Programa de Comunicación Celular en Cancer, Facultad de Medicina Clínica Alemana, Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Juan A Orellana
- Departamento de Neurología, Escuela de Medicina and Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencias, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Marcoleta 391, Santiago, Chile.
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16
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Stüdle C, Nishihara H, Wischnewski S, Kulsvehagen L, Perriot S, Ishikawa H, Schroten H, Frank S, Deigendesch N, Du Pasquier R, Schirmer L, Pröbstel AK, Engelhardt B. SARS-CoV-2 infects epithelial cells of the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier rather than endothelial cells or pericytes of the blood-brain barrier. Fluids Barriers CNS 2023; 20:76. [PMID: 37875964 PMCID: PMC10598911 DOI: 10.1186/s12987-023-00479-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As a consequence of SARS-CoV-2 infection various neurocognitive and neuropsychiatric symptoms can appear, which may persist for several months post infection. However, cell type-specific routes of brain infection and underlying mechanisms resulting in neuroglial dysfunction are not well understood. METHODS Here, we investigated the susceptibility of cells constituting the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier (BCSFB) of the choroid plexus (ChP) to SARS-CoV-2 infection using human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived cellular models and a ChP papilloma-derived epithelial cell line as well as ChP tissue from COVID-19 patients, respectively. RESULTS We noted a differential infectibility of hiPSC-derived brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) depending on the differentiation method. Extended endothelial culture method (EECM)-BMECs characterized by a complete set of endothelial markers, good barrier properties and a mature immune phenotype were refractory to SARS-CoV-2 infection and did not exhibit an activated phenotype after prolonged SARS-CoV-2 inoculation. In contrast, defined medium method (DMM)-BMECs, characterized by a mixed endothelial and epithelial phenotype and excellent barrier properties were productively infected by SARS-CoV-2 in an ACE2-dependent manner. hiPSC-derived brain pericyte-like cells (BPLCs) lacking ACE2 expression were not susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Furthermore, the human choroid plexus papilloma-derived epithelial cell line HIBCPP, modeling the BCSFB was productively infected by SARS-CoV-2 preferentially from the basolateral side, facing the blood compartment. Assessment of ChP tissue from COVID-19 patients by RNA in situ hybridization revealed SARS-CoV-2 transcripts in ChP epithelial and ChP stromal cells. CONCLUSIONS Our study shows that the BCSFB of the ChP rather than the BBB is susceptible to direct SARS-CoV-2 infection. Thus, neuropsychiatric symptoms because of COVID-19 may rather be associated with dysfunction of the BCSFB than the BBB. Future studies should consider a role of the ChP in underlying neuropsychiatric symptoms following SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Stüdle
- Theodor Kocher Institute, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Hideaki Nishihara
- Theodor Kocher Institute, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Neurotherapeutics, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Sven Wischnewski
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Laila Kulsvehagen
- Departments of Neurology, Biomedicine and Clinical Research, Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience Basel (RC2NB), University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sylvain Perriot
- Laboratory of Neuroimmunology, Neuroscience Research Centre, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Hiroshi Ishikawa
- Laboratory of Clinical Regenerative Medicine, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, 305-8575, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Horst Schroten
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Stephan Frank
- Pathology, Institute of Medical Genetics and Pathology, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Nikolaus Deigendesch
- Pathology, Institute of Medical Genetics and Pathology, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Renaud Du Pasquier
- Laboratory of Neuroimmunology, Neuroscience Research Centre, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Service of Neurology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Lucas Schirmer
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
- Center for Translational Neuroscience and Institute for Innate Immunoscience, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
- Interdisciplinary Center for Neurosciences, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Anne-Katrin Pröbstel
- Departments of Neurology, Biomedicine and Clinical Research, Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience Basel (RC2NB), University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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17
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Li Z, Lin D, Xu X, Liu X, Zhang J, Huang K, Wang F, Liu J, Zhang Z, Tao E. Central nervous system complications in SARS-CoV-2-infected patients. J Neurol 2023; 270:4617-4631. [PMID: 37573554 PMCID: PMC10511589 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-023-11912-x] [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: 06/24/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the clinical manifestations, treatment and prognosis of COVID-19-associated central nervous system (CNS) complications. METHODS In this single-centre observation study, we recruited patients with COVID-19-associated CNS complications at the neurology inpatient department of the Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University (Futian, Shenzhen) from Dec 2022 to Feb 2023. Patients were analysed for demographics, clinical manifestations, cerebrospinal fluid properties, electroencephalographic features, neuroimaging characteristics, and treatment outcome. All patients were followed-up at 1 and 2 months after discharge until Apr 2023. RESULTS Of the 12 patients with COVID-19-associated CNS complications, the CNS symptoms occur between 0 days and 4 weeks after SARS-CoV-2 infection. The most common CNS symptoms were memory deficits (4/12, 33%), Unresponsiveness (4/12, 33%), mental and behavioural disorders (4/12, 33%). Seven of 12 cases can be categorized as probable SARS-CoV-2 encephalitis, and 5 cases can be described as brainstem encephalitis, acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, optic neuritis, multiple sclerosis or tremor probably associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Six patients received antiviral therapy, and 11 patients received glucocorticoid therapy, of which 3 patients received human immunoglobulin synchronously. Nine patients recovered well, two patients had residual neurological dysfunction, and one patient passed away from complications associated with tumor. CONCLUSION In this observational study, we found that the inflammatory or immune-related complications were relatively common manifestations of COVID-19-associated CNS complications, including different phenotypes of encephalitis and CNS inflammatory demyelinating diseases. Most patients recovered well, but a few patients had significant neurological dysfunctions remaining.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhonggui Li
- Department of Neurology, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University (Futian, Shenzhen), Shenzhen, China
| | - Danyu Lin
- Department of Neurology, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University (Futian, Shenzhen), Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiaoshuang Xu
- Department of Neurology, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University (Futian, Shenzhen), Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiaohuan Liu
- Department of Neurology, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University (Futian, Shenzhen), Shenzhen, China
| | - Jieli Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University (Futian, Shenzhen), Shenzhen, China
| | - Kaixun Huang
- Department of Neurology, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University (Futian, Shenzhen), Shenzhen, China
| | - Feiyifan Wang
- Department of Neurology, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University (Futian, Shenzhen), Shenzhen, China
| | - Jianfeng Liu
- Department of Neurology, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University (Futian, Shenzhen), Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhi Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University (Futian, Shenzhen), Shenzhen, China
| | - Enxiang Tao
- Department of Neurology, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University (Futian, Shenzhen), Shenzhen, China.
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Saucier J, Comeau D, Robichaud GA, Chamard-Witkowski L. Reactive gliosis and neuroinflammation: prime suspects in the pathophysiology of post-acute neuroCOVID-19 syndrome. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1221266. [PMID: 37693763 PMCID: PMC10492094 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1221266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction As the repercussions from the COVID-19 pandemic continue to unfold, an ever-expanding body of evidence suggests that infection also elicits pathophysiological manifestations within the central nervous system (CNS), known as neurological symptoms of post-acute sequelae of COVID infection (NeuroPASC). Although the neurological impairments and repercussions associated with NeuroPASC have been well described in the literature, its etiology remains to be fully characterized. Objectives This mini-review explores the current literature that elucidates various mechanisms underlining NeuroPASC, its players, and regulators, leading to persistent neuroinflammation of affected individuals. Specifically, we provide some insights into the various roles played by microglial and astroglial cell reactivity in NeuroPASC and how these cell subsets potentially contribute to neurological impairment in response to the direct or indirect mechanisms of CNS injury. Discussion A better understanding of the mechanisms and biomarkers associated with this maladaptive neuroimmune response will thus provide better diagnostic strategies for NeuroPASC and reveal new potential mechanisms for therapeutic intervention. Altogether, the elucidation of NeuroPASC pathogenesis will improve patient outcomes and mitigate the socioeconomic burden of this syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Saucier
- Centre de Formation Médicale du Nouveau-Brunswick, Moncton, NB, Canada
- Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Dominique Comeau
- Centre de médecine de précision du Nouveau-Brunswick, Vitality Health Network, Moncton, NB, Canada
| | - Gilles A. Robichaud
- Centre de médecine de précision du Nouveau-Brunswick, Vitality Health Network, Moncton, NB, Canada
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Université de Moncton, Moncton, NB, Canada
- Atlantic Cancer Research Institute, Moncton, NB, Canada
| | - Ludivine Chamard-Witkowski
- Centre de Formation Médicale du Nouveau-Brunswick, Moncton, NB, Canada
- Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
- Centre de médecine de précision du Nouveau-Brunswick, Vitality Health Network, Moncton, NB, Canada
- Department of Neurology, Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont University Hospital Centre, Vitality Health Network, Moncton, NB, Canada
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19
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Parry PI, Lefringhausen A, Turni C, Neil CJ, Cosford R, Hudson NJ, Gillespie J. 'Spikeopathy': COVID-19 Spike Protein Is Pathogenic, from Both Virus and Vaccine mRNA. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2287. [PMID: 37626783 PMCID: PMC10452662 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11082287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic caused much illness, many deaths, and profound disruption to society. The production of 'safe and effective' vaccines was a key public health target. Sadly, unprecedented high rates of adverse events have overshadowed the benefits. This two-part narrative review presents evidence for the widespread harms of novel product COVID-19 mRNA and adenovectorDNA vaccines and is novel in attempting to provide a thorough overview of harms arising from the new technology in vaccines that relied on human cells producing a foreign antigen that has evidence of pathogenicity. This first paper explores peer-reviewed data counter to the 'safe and effective' narrative attached to these new technologies. Spike protein pathogenicity, termed 'spikeopathy', whether from the SARS-CoV-2 virus or produced by vaccine gene codes, akin to a 'synthetic virus', is increasingly understood in terms of molecular biology and pathophysiology. Pharmacokinetic transfection through body tissues distant from the injection site by lipid-nanoparticles or viral-vector carriers means that 'spikeopathy' can affect many organs. The inflammatory properties of the nanoparticles used to ferry mRNA; N1-methylpseudouridine employed to prolong synthetic mRNA function; the widespread biodistribution of the mRNA and DNA codes and translated spike proteins, and autoimmunity via human production of foreign proteins, contribute to harmful effects. This paper reviews autoimmune, cardiovascular, neurological, potential oncological effects, and autopsy evidence for spikeopathy. With many gene-based therapeutic technologies planned, a re-evaluation is necessary and timely.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter I. Parry
- Children’s Health Research Clinical Unit, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, South Brisbane, QLD 4101, Australia
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia
| | - Astrid Lefringhausen
- Children’s Health Defence (Australia Chapter), Huskisson, NSW 2540, Australia; (A.L.); (R.C.); (J.G.)
| | - Conny Turni
- Microbiology Research, QAAFI (Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation), The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia;
| | - Christopher J. Neil
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia;
| | - Robyn Cosford
- Children’s Health Defence (Australia Chapter), Huskisson, NSW 2540, Australia; (A.L.); (R.C.); (J.G.)
| | - Nicholas J. Hudson
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia;
| | - Julian Gillespie
- Children’s Health Defence (Australia Chapter), Huskisson, NSW 2540, Australia; (A.L.); (R.C.); (J.G.)
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20
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Ayasoufi K, Wolf DM, Namen SL, Jin F, Tritz ZP, Pfaller CK, Zheng J, Goddery EN, Fain CE, Gulbicki LR, Borchers AL, Reesman RA, Yokanovich LT, Maynes MA, Bamkole MA, Khadka RH, Hansen MJ, Wu LJ, Johnson AJ. Brain resident memory T cells rapidly expand and initiate neuroinflammatory responses following CNS viral infection. Brain Behav Immun 2023; 112:51-76. [PMID: 37236326 PMCID: PMC10527492 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2023.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The contribution of circulating verses tissue resident memory T cells (TRMs) to clinical neuropathology is an enduring question due to a lack of mechanistic insights. The prevailing view is TRMs are protective against pathogens in the brain. However, the extent to which antigen-specific TRMs induce neuropathology upon reactivation is understudied. Using the described phenotype of TRMs, we found that brains of naïve mice harbor populations of CD69+ CD103- T cells. Notably, numbers of CD69+ CD103- TRMs rapidly increase following neurological insults of various origins. This TRM expansion precedes infiltration of virus antigen-specific CD8 T cells and is due to proliferation of T cells within the brain. We next evaluated the capacity of antigen-specific TRMs in the brain to induce significant neuroinflammation post virus clearance, including infiltration of inflammatory myeloid cells, activation of T cells in the brain, microglial activation, and significant blood brain barrier disruption. These neuroinflammatory events were induced by TRMs, as depletion of peripheral T cells or blocking T cell trafficking using FTY720 did not change the neuroinflammatory course. Depletion of all CD8 T cells, however, completely abrogated the neuroinflammatory response. Reactivation of antigen-specific TRMs in the brain also induced profound lymphopenia within the blood compartment. We have therefore determined that antigen-specific TRMs can induce significant neuroinflammation, neuropathology, and peripheral immunosuppression. The use of cognate antigen to reactivate CD8 TRMs enables us to isolate the neuropathologic effects induced by this cell type independently of other branches of immunological memory, differentiating this work from studies employing whole pathogen re-challenge. This study also demonstrates the capacity for CD8 TRMs to contribute to pathology associated with neurodegenerative disorders and long-term complications associated with viral infections. Understanding functions of brain TRMs is crucial in investigating their role in neurodegenerative disorders including MS, CNS cancers, and long-term complications associated with viral infections including COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Delaney M Wolf
- Mayo Clinic Department of Immunology, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Shelby L Namen
- Mayo Clinic Department of Immunology, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Fang Jin
- Mayo Clinic Department of Immunology, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Zachariah P Tritz
- Mayo Clinic Department of Immunology, Rochester, MN, United States; Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Christian K Pfaller
- Mayo Clinic Department of Molecular Medicine, Rochester, MN, United States; Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Langen, Germany
| | - Jiaying Zheng
- Mayo Clinic Department of Immunology, Rochester, MN, United States; Mayo Clinic Department of Neurology, Rochester, MN, United States; Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Emma N Goddery
- Mayo Clinic Department of Immunology, Rochester, MN, United States; Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Cori E Fain
- Mayo Clinic Department of Immunology, Rochester, MN, United States; Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Rochester, MN, United States
| | | | - Anna L Borchers
- Mayo Clinic Department of Immunology, Rochester, MN, United States; Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Rochester, MN, United States
| | | | - Lila T Yokanovich
- Mayo Clinic Department of Immunology, Rochester, MN, United States; Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Mark A Maynes
- Mayo Clinic Department of Immunology, Rochester, MN, United States; Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Michael A Bamkole
- Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Roman H Khadka
- Mayo Clinic Department of Immunology, Rochester, MN, United States; Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Michael J Hansen
- Mayo Clinic Department of Immunology, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Long-Jun Wu
- Mayo Clinic Department of Immunology, Rochester, MN, United States; Mayo Clinic Department of Neurology, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Aaron J Johnson
- Mayo Clinic Department of Immunology, Rochester, MN, United States; Mayo Clinic Department of Molecular Medicine, Rochester, MN, United States; Mayo Clinic Department of Neurology, Rochester, MN, United States.
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21
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Peron JPS. Direct and indirect impact of SARS-CoV-2 on the brain. Hum Genet 2023; 142:1317-1326. [PMID: 37004544 PMCID: PMC10066989 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-023-02549-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023]
Abstract
Although COVID-19 is mostly a pulmonary disease, it is now well accepted that it can cause a much broader spectrum of signs and symptoms and affect many other organs and tissue. From mild anosmia to severe ischemic stroke, the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on the central nervous system is still a great challenge to scientists and health care practitioners. Besides the acute and severe neurological problems described, as encephalopathies, leptomeningitis, and stroke, after 2 years of pandemic, the chronic impact observed during long-COVID or the post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) greatly intrigues scientists worldwide. Strikingly, even asymptomatic, and mild diseased patients may evolve with important neurological and psychiatric symptoms, as confusion, memory loss, cognitive decline, chronic fatigue, associated or not with anxiety and depression. Thus, the knowledge on the correlation between COVID-19 and the central nervous system is of great relevance. In this sense, here we discuss some important mechanisms obtained from in vitro and in vivo investigation regarding how SARS-CoV-2 impacts the brain and its cells and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- J P S Peron
- Neuroimmune Interactions Laboratory, Department of Immunology, University of Sao Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 1730 Lab 232. Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP, CEP 05508-000, Brazil.
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22
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Benedetti S, Sisti D, Vandini D, Barocci S, Sudano M, Carlotti E, Teng JLL, Zamai L. Circulating ACE2 level and zinc/albumin ratio as potential biomarkers for a precision medicine approach to COVID-19. Adv Biol Regul 2023; 89:100973. [PMID: 37257289 PMCID: PMC10202900 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbior.2023.100973] [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: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Highly mutable influenza is successfully countered based on individual susceptibility and similar precision-like medicine approach should be effective against SARS-COV-2. Among predictive markers to bring precision medicine to COVID-19, circulating ACE2 has potential features being upregulated in both severe COVID-19 and predisposing comorbidities. Spike SARS-CoVs were shown to induce ADAM17-mediated shedding of enzymatic active ACE2, thus accounting for its increased activity that has also been suggested to induce positive feedback loops leading to COVID-19-like manifestations. For this reason, pre-existing ACE2 activity and inhibition of ACE2/ADAM17 zinc-metalloproteases through zinc chelating agents have been proposed to predict COVID-19 outcome before infection and to protect from COVID-19, respectively. Since most diagnostic laboratories are not equipped for enzymatic activity determination, other potential predictive markers of disease progression exploitable by diagnostic laboratories were explored. Concentrations of circulating albumin, zinc, ACE2 protein and its activity were investigated in healthy, diabetic (COVID-19-susceptible) and SARS-CoV-2-negative COVID-19 individuals. ACE2 both protein levels and activity significantly increased in COVID-19 and diabetic patients. Abnormal high levels of ACE2 characterised a subgroup (16-19%) of diabetics, while COVID-19 patients were characterised by significantly higher zinc/albumin ratios, pointing to a relative increase of albumin-unbound zinc species, such as free zinc ones. Data on circulating ACE2 levels are in line with the hypothesis that they can drive susceptibility to COVID-19 and elevated zinc/albumin ratios support the therapeutic use of zinc chelating inhibitors of ACE2/ADAM17 zinc-metalloproteases in a targeted therapy for COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Benedetti
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029, Urbino, Italy
| | - Davide Sisti
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029, Urbino, Italy
| | - Daniela Vandini
- Department of Clinical Pathology, ASUR Marche AV1, Urbino, PU, Italy
| | - Simone Barocci
- Department of Clinical Pathology, ASUR Marche AV1, Urbino, PU, Italy
| | - Maurizio Sudano
- Diabetology and Endocrinology Unit, ASUR Marche AV1, Urbino, PU, Italy
| | | | - Jade Lee Lee Teng
- Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Loris Zamai
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029, Urbino, Italy; INFN-Gran Sasso National Laboratory, Assergi, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy.
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23
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Perico L, Morigi M, Pezzotta A, Locatelli M, Imberti B, Corna D, Cerullo D, Benigni A, Remuzzi G. SARS-CoV-2 spike protein induces lung endothelial cell dysfunction and thrombo-inflammation depending on the C3a/C3a receptor signalling. Sci Rep 2023; 13:11392. [PMID: 37452090 PMCID: PMC10349115 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-38382-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The spike protein of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) can interact with endothelial cells. However, no studies demonstrated the direct effect of the spike protein subunit 1 (S1) in inducing lung vascular damage and the potential mechanisms contributing to lung injury. Here, we found that S1 injection in mice transgenic for human angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) induced early loss of lung endothelial thromboresistance at 3 days, as revealed by thrombomodulin loss and von Willebrand factor (vWF) increase. In parallel, vascular and epithelial C3 deposits and enhanced C3a receptor (C3aR) expression were observed. These changes preceded diffuse alveolar damage and lung vascular fibrin(ogen)/platelets aggregates at 7 days, as well as inflammatory cell recruitment and fibrosis. Treatment with C3aR antagonist (C3aRa) inhibited lung C3 accumulation and C3a/C3aR activation, limiting vascular thrombo-inflammation and fibrosis. Our study demonstrates that S1 triggers vascular dysfunction and activates complement system, instrumental to lung thrombo-inflammatory injury. By extension, our data indicate C3aRa as a valuable therapeutic strategy to limit S1-dependent lung pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Perico
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy.
| | - Marina Morigi
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Anna Pezzotta
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Monica Locatelli
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Barbara Imberti
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Daniela Corna
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Domenico Cerullo
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Ariela Benigni
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Remuzzi
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
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24
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Frank MG, Fleshner M, Maier SF. Exploring the immunogenic properties of SARS-CoV-2 structural proteins: PAMP:TLR signaling in the mediation of the neuroinflammatory and neurologic sequelae of COVID-19. Brain Behav Immun 2023; 111:259-269. [PMID: 37116592 PMCID: PMC10132835 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2023.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) produces an array of neurologic and neuropsychiatric symptoms in the acute and post-acute phase of infection (PASC; post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection). Neuroinflammatory processes are considered key factors in the etiology of these symptoms. Several mechanisms underpinning the development of inflammatory events in the brain have been proposed including SARS-CoV-2 neurotropism and peripheral inflammatory responses (i.e., cytokine storm) to infection, which might produce neuroinflammation via immune-to-brain signaling pathways. In this review, we explore evidence in support of an alternate mechanism whereby structural proteins (e.g., spike and spike S1 subunit) derived from SARS-CoV-2 virions function as pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) to elicit proinflammatory immune responses in the periphery and/or brain via classical Toll-Like Receptor (TLR) inflammatory pathways. We propose that SARS-CoV-2 structural proteins might directly produce inflammatory processes in brain independent of and/or in addition to peripheral proinflammatory effects, which might converge to play a causal role in the development of neurologic/neuropsychiatric symptoms in COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew G Frank
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder CO 80301, United States.
| | - Monika Fleshner
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder CO 80301, United States
| | - Steven F Maier
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Center for Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder CO 80301, United States
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25
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de Broucker T. [COVID-19: Neurological manifestations and complications during the acute phase of the disease]. BULLETIN DE L'ACADEMIE NATIONALE DE MEDECINE 2023; 207:S0001-4079(23)00190-5. [PMID: 38620177 PMCID: PMC10293933 DOI: 10.1016/j.banm.2023.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
The neurological manifestations and complications of the acute phase of COVID-19 are numerous. They mainly concern the central nervous system in the frequent forms of encephalopathy, encephalitis and neurovascular pathologies. Peripheral neurological manifestations mainly include acute polyneuropathies such as Guillain-Barré syndrome and intensive care neuromyopathies. Most of these manifestations were described during the first wave of the pandemic. The epidemiological, clinical, paraclinical, pathophysiological and therapeutic aspects are addressed in this general review of the literature published from 2020 to early 2023.
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26
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Halma MTJ, Plothe C, Marik P, Lawrie TA. Strategies for the Management of Spike Protein-Related Pathology. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1308. [PMID: 37317282 PMCID: PMC10222799 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11051308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
In the wake of the COVID-19 crisis, a need has arisen to prevent and treat two related conditions, COVID-19 vaccine injury and long COVID-19, both of which can trace at least part of their aetiology to the spike protein, which can cause harm through several mechanisms. One significant mechanism of harm is vascular, and it is mediated by the spike protein, a common element of the COVID-19 illness, and it is related to receiving a COVID-19 vaccine. Given the significant number of people experiencing these two related conditions, it is imperative to develop treatment protocols, as well as to consider the diversity of people experiencing long COVID-19 and vaccine injury. This review summarizes the known treatment options for long COVID-19 and vaccine injury, their mechanisms, and their evidentiary basis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Christof Plothe
- Center for Biophysical Osteopathy, Am Wegweiser 27, 55232 Alzey, Germany
| | - Paul Marik
- Front Line COVID-19 Critical Care Alliance (FLCCC), 2001 L St. NW Suite 500, Washington, DC 20036, USA;
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27
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Lebrun L, Absil L, Remmelink M, De Mendonça R, D'Haene N, Gaspard N, Rusu S, Racu ML, Collin A, Allard J, Zindy E, Schiavo AA, De Clercq S, De Witte O, Decaestecker C, Lopes MB, Salmon I. SARS-Cov-2 infection and neuropathological findings: a report of 18 cases and review of the literature. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2023; 11:78. [PMID: 37165453 PMCID: PMC10170054 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-023-01566-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION COVID-19-infected patients harbour neurological symptoms such as stroke and anosmia, leading to the hypothesis that there is direct invasion of the central nervous system (CNS) by SARS-CoV-2. Several studies have reported the neuropathological examination of brain samples from patients who died from COVID-19. However, there is still sparse evidence of virus replication in the human brain, suggesting that neurologic symptoms could be related to mechanisms other than CNS infection by the virus. Our objective was to provide an extensive review of the literature on the neuropathological findings of postmortem brain samples from patients who died from COVID-19 and to report our own experience with 18 postmortem brain samples. MATERIAL AND METHODS We used microscopic examination, immunohistochemistry (using two different antibodies) and PCR-based techniques to describe the neuropathological findings and the presence of SARS-CoV-2 virus in postmortem brain samples. For comparison, similar techniques (IHC and PCR) were applied to the lung tissue samples for each patient from our cohort. The systematic literature review was conducted from the beginning of the pandemic in 2019 until June 1st, 2022. RESULTS In our cohort, the most common neuropathological findings were perivascular haemosiderin-laden macrophages and hypoxic-ischaemic changes in neurons, which were found in all cases (n = 18). Only one brain tissue sample harboured SARS-CoV-2 viral spike and nucleocapsid protein expression, while all brain cases harboured SARS-CoV-2 RNA positivity by PCR. A colocalization immunohistochemistry study revealed that SARS-CoV-2 antigens could be located in brain perivascular macrophages. The literature review highlighted that the most frequent neuropathological findings were ischaemic and haemorrhagic lesions, including hypoxic/ischaemic alterations. However, few studies have confirmed the presence of SARS-CoV-2 antigens in brain tissue samples. CONCLUSION This study highlighted the lack of specific neuropathological alterations in COVID-19-infected patients. There is still no evidence of neurotropism for SARS-CoV-2 in our cohort or in the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laetitia Lebrun
- Department of Pathology, Erasme University Hospital, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB)Hôpital Universitaire de Bruxelles (HUB), CUB Hôpital Erasme, 808 Route de Lennik, B-1070, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Lara Absil
- Department of Pathology, Erasme University Hospital, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB)Hôpital Universitaire de Bruxelles (HUB), CUB Hôpital Erasme, 808 Route de Lennik, B-1070, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Myriam Remmelink
- Department of Pathology, Erasme University Hospital, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB)Hôpital Universitaire de Bruxelles (HUB), CUB Hôpital Erasme, 808 Route de Lennik, B-1070, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ricardo De Mendonça
- Department of Pathology, Erasme University Hospital, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB)Hôpital Universitaire de Bruxelles (HUB), CUB Hôpital Erasme, 808 Route de Lennik, B-1070, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nicky D'Haene
- Department of Pathology, Erasme University Hospital, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB)Hôpital Universitaire de Bruxelles (HUB), CUB Hôpital Erasme, 808 Route de Lennik, B-1070, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nicolas Gaspard
- Department of Neurology, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Hôpital Universitaire de Bruxelles (HUB), CUB Hôpital Erasme, Erasme University Hospital, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Stefan Rusu
- Department of Pathology, Erasme University Hospital, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB)Hôpital Universitaire de Bruxelles (HUB), CUB Hôpital Erasme, 808 Route de Lennik, B-1070, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Marie-Lucie Racu
- Department of Pathology, Erasme University Hospital, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB)Hôpital Universitaire de Bruxelles (HUB), CUB Hôpital Erasme, 808 Route de Lennik, B-1070, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Amandine Collin
- DIAPath, Center for Microscopy and Molecular Imaging (CMMI), ULB, Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Justine Allard
- DIAPath, Center for Microscopy and Molecular Imaging (CMMI), ULB, Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Egor Zindy
- DIAPath, Center for Microscopy and Molecular Imaging (CMMI), ULB, Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Andrea Alex Schiavo
- Department of Pathology, Erasme University Hospital, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB)Hôpital Universitaire de Bruxelles (HUB), CUB Hôpital Erasme, 808 Route de Lennik, B-1070, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sarah De Clercq
- Department of Pathology, Erasme University Hospital, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB)Hôpital Universitaire de Bruxelles (HUB), CUB Hôpital Erasme, 808 Route de Lennik, B-1070, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Olivier De Witte
- Department of Neurosurgery, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB)Hôpital Universitaire de Bruxelles (HUB), CUB Hôpital ErasmeErasme University Hospital, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Christine Decaestecker
- DIAPath, Center for Microscopy and Molecular Imaging (CMMI), ULB, Gosselies, Belgium
- Laboratory of Image Synthesis and Analysis, Brussels School of Engineering/École Polytechnique de Brussels, ULB, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Maria-Beatriz Lopes
- Department of Pathology, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Isabelle Salmon
- Department of Pathology, Erasme University Hospital, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB)Hôpital Universitaire de Bruxelles (HUB), CUB Hôpital Erasme, 808 Route de Lennik, B-1070, Brussels, Belgium.
- DIAPath, Center for Microscopy and Molecular Imaging (CMMI), ULB, Gosselies, Belgium.
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28
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Malekpour M, Khanmohammadi S, Meybodi MJE, Shekouh D, Rahmanian MR, Kardeh S, Azarpira N. COVID-19 as a trigger of Guillain-Barré syndrome: A review of the molecular mechanism. Immun Inflamm Dis 2023; 11:e875. [PMID: 37249286 DOI: 10.1002/iid3.875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) caused a pandemic with serious complications. After coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), several post-acute COVID-19 syndromes (PACSs) and long-COVID sequels were reported. PACSs involve many organs, including the nervous, gustatory, and immune systems. One of the PACSs after SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination is Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). The incidence rate of GBS after SARS-CoV-2 infection or vaccination is low. However, the high prevalence of COVID-19 and severe complications of GBS, for example, autonomic dysfunction and respiratory failure, highlight the importance of post-COVID-19 GBS. It is while patients with simultaneous COVID-19 and GBS seem to have higher admission rates to the intensive care unit, and demyelination is more aggressive in post-COVID-19 GBS patients. SARS-CoV-2 can trigger GBS via several pathways like direct neurotropism and neurovirulence, microvascular dysfunction and oxidative stress, immune system disruption, molecular mimicry, and autoantibody production. Although there are few molecular studies on the molecular and cellular mechanisms of GBS occurrence after SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination, we aimed to discuss the possible pathomechanism of post-COVID-19 GBS by gathering the most recent molecular evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahdi Malekpour
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Transplant Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Shaghayegh Khanmohammadi
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
- Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Javad Entezari Meybodi
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Transplant Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Dorsa Shekouh
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Rahmanian
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Transplant Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Sina Kardeh
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Negar Azarpira
- Transplant Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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29
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Bommarito G, Garibotto V, Frisoni GB, Assal F, Lalive PH, Allali G. The Two-Way Route between Delirium Disorder and Dementia: Insights from COVID-19. NEURODEGENER DIS 2023; 22:91-103. [PMID: 37054684 DOI: 10.1159/000530566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Delirium disorder is a frequent neurological complication of SARS-CoV-2 infection and associated with increased disease severity and mortality. Cognitive impairment is a major risk factor for developing delirium disorder during COVID-19, which, in turn, increases the risk of subsequent neurological complications and cognitive decline. SUMMARY The bidirectional connection between delirium disorder and dementia likely resides at multiple levels, and its pathophysiological mechanisms during COVID-19 include endothelial damage, blood-brain barrier dysfunction, and local inflammation, with activation of microglia and astrocytes. Here, we describe the putative pathogenic pathways underlying delirium disorder during COVID-19 and highlight how they cross with the ones leading to neurodegenerative dementia. KEY MESSAGES The analysis of the two-sided link can offer useful insights for confronting with long-term neurological consequences of COVID-19 and framing future prevention and early treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Bommarito
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Lausanne University Hospitals and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Valentina Garibotto
- Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Geneva University Hospitals and NIMTlab, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Giovanni B Frisoni
- Memory Center and LANVIE-Laboratory of Neuroimaging of Aging, Geneva University Hospitals and University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Frédéric Assal
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Geneva University Hospitals and University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Patrice H Lalive
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Geneva University Hospitals and University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Division of Laboratory Medicine, Diagnostic Department, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Gilles Allali
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Geneva University Hospitals and University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Division of Cognitive and Motor Aging, Department of Neurology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Yeshiva University, Bronx, New York, USA
- Leenaards Memory Center, Lausanne University Hospitals and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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30
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Ziablitsev DS, Kozyk M, Strubchevska K, Dyadyk OO, Ziablitsev SV. Lung Expression of Macrophage Markers CD68 and CD163, Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2), and Caspase-3 in COVID-19. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:medicina59040714. [PMID: 37109672 PMCID: PMC10144424 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59040714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) damages all systems and organs. Yet, to a greater extent, the lungs are particularly involved, due to the formation of diffuse exudative inflammation in the form of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) with next progression to pulmonary fibrosis. SARS-associated lung damage is accompanied by the pronounced activation of mononuclear cells, damage of the alveoli and microvessels, and the development of organized pneumonia. To study the expression of macrophage markers (CD68 and CD163), angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2), and caspase-3 on the results of two fatal clinical observations of COVID-19. Materials and Methods: In both clinical cases, the female patients died from complications of confirmed COVID-19. Conventional morphological and immunohistochemical methods were used. Results: There was an acute exudative hemorrhagic pneumonia with the formation of hyaline membranes, focal organization of fibrin, stromal sclerosis, stasis, and thrombus formation in the lung vessels. Signs such as the formation of hyaline membranes, organization, and fibrosis were more pronounced in severe disease activity. The activation of CD68+/CD163+ macrophages could cause cell damage at an early stage of pneumonia development, and subsequently cause fibrotic changes in lung tissue. ACE2 expression in lung tissue was not detected in severe pneumonia, while in moderate pneumonia, weak expression was noted in individual cells of the alveolar epithelium and vascular endothelium. Conclusions: This finding could show the dependence of ACE2 expression on the severity of the inflammatory process in the lungs. The expression of caspase-3 was more pronounced in severe pneumonia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denis S Ziablitsev
- Department of Pathophysiology, Bogomolets National Medical University, 01601 Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Marko Kozyk
- Department of Internal Medicine, Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital, Royal Oak, MI 48073, USA
| | - Kateryna Strubchevska
- Department of Internal Medicine, Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital, Royal Oak, MI 48073, USA
| | - Olena O Dyadyk
- Department of Pathologic and Topographic Anatomy, Shupyk National Healthcare University of Ukraine, 04112 Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Sergiy V Ziablitsev
- Department of Pathophysiology, Bogomolets National Medical University, 01601 Kyiv, Ukraine
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31
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The differential expression of toll like receptors and RIG-1 correlates to the severity of infectious diseases. Ann Diagn Pathol 2023; 63:152102. [PMID: 36634551 DOI: 10.1016/j.anndiagpath.2022.152102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The toll like receptors (TLRs) and RIG-1 are proteins involved in the initial reaction of the innate immune system to infectious diseases and, thus, can provide much information to the surgical pathologist in terms of the molecular dynamics of the infection. The TLRs (TLR1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8) and RIG-1 distribution as determined by immunohistochemistry was examined in the following diseases: human papillomavirus (n = 30 including 15 squamous intraepithelial lesions (SIL), 5 cancers, and 10 controls); molluscum contagiosum (n = 8 including 4 controls), SARS-CoV2 (n = 52 including 20 mild, 5 fatal, and 27 controls) and reovirus infection as oncolytic therapy. Mild, regressing infection (molluscum contagiosum, mild SARS-CoV2 and low grade SIL) each showed the same pattern: marked up regulation of at least three of the TLRs/RIG-1 with decreased expression of none compared to the controls. Severe infection (fatal SARS-CoV2, and cervical cancer) each showed marked decrease expression in at least three of the TLRs/RIG-1. We recently documented an equivalent marked decrease expression of the TLRs/RIG-1 in the placenta in fatal in utero infections. The reoviral infected tissues showed an overall pattern of marked increase expression of TLRs/RIG-1, consistent with a strong anti-viral response. Thus, the in situ testing of infectious diseases by a panel of these early infectious disease recognition proteins may allow the surgical pathologist to predict the outcome of the disease which, in turn, may assist in the understanding of the role of the TLRs/RIG-1 in determining the fate of a given infectious process.
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32
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Fontes-Dantas FL, Fernandes GG, Gutman EG, De Lima EV, Antonio LS, Hammerle MB, Mota-Araujo HP, Colodeti LC, Araújo SM, Froz GM, da Silva TN, Duarte LA, Salvio AL, Pires KL, Leon LA, Vasconcelos CCF, Romão L, Savio LEB, Silva JL, da Costa R, Clarke JR, Da Poian AT, Alves-Leon SV, Passos GF, Figueiredo CP. SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein induces TLR4-mediated long-term cognitive dysfunction recapitulating post-COVID-19 syndrome in mice. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112189. [PMID: 36857178 PMCID: PMC9935273 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Cognitive dysfunction is often reported in patients with post-coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) syndrome, but its underlying mechanisms are not completely understood. Evidence suggests that severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Spike protein or its fragments are released from cells during infection, reaching different tissues, including the CNS, irrespective of the presence of the viral RNA. Here, we demonstrate that brain infusion of Spike protein in mice has a late impact on cognitive function, recapitulating post-COVID-19 syndrome. We also show that neuroinflammation and hippocampal microgliosis mediate Spike-induced memory dysfunction via complement-dependent engulfment of synapses. Genetic or pharmacological blockage of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling protects animals against synapse elimination and memory dysfunction induced by Spike brain infusion. Accordingly, in a cohort of 86 patients who recovered from mild COVID-19, the genotype GG TLR4-2604G>A (rs10759931) is associated with poor cognitive outcome. These results identify TLR4 as a key target to investigate the long-term cognitive dysfunction after COVID-19 infection in humans and rodents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabricia L. Fontes-Dantas
- School of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil,Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biology, Rio de Janeiro State University, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Gabriel G. Fernandes
- School of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Elisa G. Gutman
- Translational Neuroscience Laboratory (LabNet), Post-Graduate Program in Neurology, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro State, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil,Clinical Medicine Post-graduation Program, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Emanuelle V. De Lima
- School of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Leticia S. Antonio
- School of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Mariana B. Hammerle
- Clinical Medicine Post-graduation Program, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Hannah P. Mota-Araujo
- School of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Lilian C. Colodeti
- School of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Suzana M.B. Araújo
- School of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Gabrielle M. Froz
- School of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Talita N. da Silva
- School of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Larissa A. Duarte
- Translational Neuroscience Laboratory (LabNet), Post-Graduate Program in Neurology, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro State, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil,Clinical Medicine Post-graduation Program, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Andreza L. Salvio
- Translational Neuroscience Laboratory (LabNet), Post-Graduate Program in Neurology, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro State, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Karina L. Pires
- Neurology Department, Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro (UNIRIO), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Luciane A.A. Leon
- Laboratório de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico em Virologia, IOC/FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | | | - Luciana Romão
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Luiz Eduardo B. Savio
- Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Jerson L. Silva
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Robson da Costa
- School of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Julia R. Clarke
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Andrea T. Da Poian
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil,Corresponding author
| | - Soniza V. Alves-Leon
- Translational Neuroscience Laboratory (LabNet), Post-Graduate Program in Neurology, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro State, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil,Division of Neurology, Hospital Clementino Fraga Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil,Corresponding author
| | - Giselle F. Passos
- School of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil,Corresponding author
| | - Claudia P. Figueiredo
- School of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil,Corresponding author
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Elhadad S, Redmond D, Tan A, Huang J, Rodriguez BL, Racine-Brzostek SE, Subrahmanian S, Ahamed J, Laurence J. Defibrotide mitigates endothelial cell injury induced by plasmas from patients with COVID-19 and related vasculopathies. Thromb Res 2023; 225:47-56. [PMID: 37001283 PMCID: PMC10033153 DOI: 10.1016/j.thromres.2023.03.009] [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: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2023]
Abstract
Background and objectives COVID-19 progression is characterized by systemic small vessel arterial and venous thrombosis. Microvascular endothelial cell (MVEC) activation and injury, platelet activation, and histopathologic features characteristic of acute COVID-19 also describe certain thrombotic microangiopathies, including atypical hemolytic-uremic syndrome (aHUS), thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), and hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT)-associated veno-occlusive disease (VOD). We explored the effect of clinically relevant doses of defibrotide, approved for HSCT-associated VOD, on MVEC activation/injury. Methods Human dermal MVEC were exposed to plasmas from patients with acute TMAs or acute COVID-19 in the presence and absence of defibrotide (5 μg/ml) and caspase 8, a marker of EC activation and apoptosis, was assessed. RNAseq was used to explore potential mechanisms of defibrotide activity. Results Defibrotide suppressed TMA plasma-induced caspase 8 activation in MVEC (mean 60.2 % inhibition for COVID-19; p = 0.0008). RNAseq identified six major cellular pathways associated with defibrotide's alteration of COVID-19-associated MVEC changes: TNF-α signaling; IL-17 signaling; extracellular matrix (ECM)-EC receptor and platelet receptor interactions; ECM formation; endothelin activity; and fibrosis. Communications across these pathways were revealed by STRING analyses. Forty transcripts showing the greatest changes induced by defibrotide in COVID-19 plasma/MVEC cultures included: claudin 14 and F11R (JAM), important in maintaining EC tight junctions; SOCS3 and TNFRSF18, involved in suppression of inflammation; RAMP3 and transgelin, which promote angiogenesis; and RGS5, which regulates caspase activation and apoptosis. Conclusion Our data, in the context of a recent clinical trial in severe COVID-19, suggest benefits to further exploration of defibrotide and these pathways in COVID-19 and related endotheliopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Elhadad
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - David Redmond
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Hartman Institute fort Therapeutic Organ Regeneration, Ansary Stem Cell Institute, United States of America
| | - Adrian Tan
- Genomics Resources Core Facility, Weill Cornell Medicine, United States of America
| | - Jenny Huang
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Hartman Institute fort Therapeutic Organ Regeneration, Ansary Stem Cell Institute, United States of America
| | - Beatriz Lorenzo Rodriguez
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States of America
| | | | - Sandeep Subrahmanian
- Cardiovascular Biology Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, United States of America
| | - Jasimuddin Ahamed
- Cardiovascular Biology Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, United States of America
| | - Jeffrey Laurence
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States of America.
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Investigation of Neurological Complications after COVID-19 Vaccination: Report of the Clinical Scenarios and Review of the Literature. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:vaccines11020425. [PMID: 36851302 PMCID: PMC9966113 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11020425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), broke out in 2019 and became a pandemic in 2020. Since then, vaccines have been approved to prevent severe illness. However, vaccines are associated with the risk of neurological complications ranging from mild to severe. Severe complications such as vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT) associated with acute ischaemic stroke have been reported as rare complications post-COVID-19 vaccination. During the pandemic era, VITT evaluation is needed in cases with a history of vaccination within the last month prior to the event. Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) should be suspected in patients following immunization with persistent headaches who are unresponsive to analgesics. In this article, we investigated neurological complications after COVID-19 vaccination and provided more subsequent related clinical studies of accurate diagnosis, pathophysiological mechanisms, incidence, outcome, and management.
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35
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Bellavite P, Ferraresi A, Isidoro C. Immune Response and Molecular Mechanisms of Cardiovascular Adverse Effects of Spike Proteins from SARS-CoV-2 and mRNA Vaccines. Biomedicines 2023; 11:451. [PMID: 36830987 PMCID: PMC9953067 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11020451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus responsible for the COVID-19 disease) uses the Spike proteins of its envelope for infecting target cells expressing on the membrane the angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) enzyme that acts as a receptor. To control the pandemic, genetically engineered vaccines have been designed for inducing neutralizing antibodies against the Spike proteins. These vaccines do not act like traditional protein-based vaccines, as they deliver the message in the form of mRNA or DNA to host cells that then produce and expose the Spike protein on the membrane (from which it can be shed in soluble form) to alert the immune system. Mass vaccination has brought to light various adverse effects associated with these genetically based vaccines, mainly affecting the circulatory and cardiovascular system. ACE2 is present as membrane-bound on several cell types, including the mucosa of the upper respiratory and of the gastrointestinal tracts, the endothelium, the platelets, and in soluble form in the plasma. The ACE2 enzyme converts the vasoconstrictor angiotensin II into peptides with vasodilator properties. Here we review the pathways for immunization and the molecular mechanisms through which the Spike protein, either from SARS-CoV-2 or encoded by the mRNA-based vaccines, interferes with the Renin-Angiotensin-System governed by ACE2, thus altering the homeostasis of the circulation and of the cardiovascular system. Understanding the molecular interactions of the Spike protein with ACE2 and the consequent impact on cardiovascular system homeostasis will direct the diagnosis and therapy of the vaccine-related adverse effects and provide information for development of a personalized vaccination that considers pathophysiological conditions predisposing to such adverse events.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alessandra Ferraresi
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Department of Health Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Ciro Isidoro
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Department of Health Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy
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36
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Rice M, Nicol A, Nuovo GJ. The differential expression of toll like receptors and RIG-1 in the placenta of neonates with in utero infections. Ann Diagn Pathol 2023; 62:152080. [PMID: 36535188 DOI: 10.1016/j.anndiagpath.2022.152080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Novel biomarkers of in utero infections are needed to help guide early therapy. The toll like receptors (TLRs) and retinoic acid-inducible gene 1 (RIG-1) are proteins involved in the initial reaction of the innate immune system to infectious diseases. This study tested the hypothesis that a panel of TLRs and RIG-1 in the placenta could serve as an early biomarker of in utero infections. The TLRs and RIG-1 expression as determined by immunohistochemistry was scored in 10 control placentas (normal delivery or neonatal damage from known non-infectious cause), 8 placentas from documented in utero bacterial infection, and 7 placentas from documented in utero viral infections blinded to the clinical information. The non-infected placentas showed the following profile: no expression (TLR1, TLR3, TLR4, TLR7, TLR8), moderate expression (TLR2), and strong expression (RIG-1). The bacterial and viral infection cases shared the following profile: no to mild expression (TLR 2, TLR7, and RIG1), moderate expression (TLR4), and strong expression (TLR1, TLR3, and TLR8). The histologic findings in the chorionic villi were equivalent in the infected cases and controls, underscoring the need for molecular testing by the surgical pathologist when in utero infection is suspected. The results suggest that a panel of TLRs/RIG-1 analyses can allow the pathologist and/or clinician to diagnose in utero infections soon after birth. Also, treatments to antagonize the effects of TLR1, 3, and 8 may help abrogate in utero neonatal damage.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alcina Nicol
- National Institute of Infectology (INI - FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Gerard J Nuovo
- GnomeDX, Powell, OH, USA; Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA.
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37
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Altman NL, Berning AA, Saxon CE, Adamek KE, Wagner JA, Slavov D, Quaife RA, Gill EA, Minobe WA, Jonas ER, Carroll IA, Huebler SP, Raines J, Messenger JC, Ambardekar AV, Mestroni L, Rosenberg RM, Rove J, Campbell TB, Bristow MR. Myocardial Injury and Altered Gene Expression Associated With SARS-CoV-2 Infection or mRNA Vaccination. JACC Basic Transl Sci 2023; 8:124-137. [PMID: 36281440 PMCID: PMC9581498 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacbts.2022.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
SARS CoV-2 enters host cells via its Spike protein moiety binding to the essential cardiac enzyme angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) 2, followed by internalization. COVID-19 mRNA vaccines are RNA sequences that are translated into Spike protein, which follows the same ACE2-binding route as the intact virion. In model systems, isolated Spike protein can produce cell damage and altered gene expression, and myocardial injury or myocarditis can occur during COVID-19 or after mRNA vaccination. We investigated 7 COVID-19 and 6 post-mRNA vaccination patients with myocardial injury and found nearly identical alterations in gene expression that would predispose to inflammation, coagulopathy, and myocardial dysfunction.
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Key Words
- ACE, angiotensin I–converting enzyme gene
- ACE2, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 gene
- AGT, angiotensinogen gene
- AGTR1, angiotensin II receptor type 1 gene
- ANG II, angiotensin II
- BNP, B-type natriuretic peptide
- CMR, cardiac magnetic resonance
- COVID-19
- EM, electron microscopy
- F3, coagulation factor III (tissue factor) gene
- ITGA5, integrin subunit alpha 5 gene
- IVS, interventricular septum
- LGE, late gadolinium enhancement
- LM, light microscopy
- LV, left ventricular
- LVEF, left ventricular ejection fraction
- NDC, nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy
- NPPB, natriuretic peptide B gene
- RV, right ventricular
- S, SARS-CoV-2 Spike
- TnI, troponin I
- gene expression
- mRNA vaccines
- myocardial injury
- myocarditis
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha L. Altman
- Division of Cardiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Amber A. Berning
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Cara E. Saxon
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Kylie E. Adamek
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Jessica A. Wagner
- Division of Cardiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Dobromir Slavov
- Division of Cardiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Robert A. Quaife
- Division of Cardiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Edward A. Gill
- Division of Cardiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Wayne A. Minobe
- Division of Cardiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Eric R. Jonas
- Division of Cardiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | | | | | - Joshua Raines
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - John C. Messenger
- Division of Cardiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Amrut V. Ambardekar
- Division of Cardiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Luisa Mestroni
- Division of Cardiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Rachel M. Rosenberg
- Division of Cardiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Jessica Rove
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Thomas B. Campbell
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Michael R. Bristow
- Division of Cardiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- ARCA Biopharma, Westminster, Colorado, USA
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38
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Zamai L. Hypothesis: Efficacy of early treatments with some NSAIDs in COVID-19: Might it also depend on their direct and/or indirect zinc chelating ability? Br J Pharmacol 2023; 180:279-286. [PMID: 36482040 PMCID: PMC9877557 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The present work argues for the involvement of the zinc chelating ability of some non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs as an additive mechanism able to increase their efficacy against COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loris Zamai
- Department of Biomolecular SciencesUniversity of Urbino Carlo BoUrbinoItaly,National Institute for Nuclear Physics (INFN)—Gran Sasso National Laboratory (LNGS)L'AquilaItaly
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39
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Saucier J, Jose C, Beroual Z, Al-Qadi M, Chartrand S, Libert E, Losier MC, Cooling K, Girouard G, Jbilou J, Chamard-Witkowski L. Cognitive inhibition deficit in long COVID-19: An exploratory study. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1125574. [PMID: 37122293 PMCID: PMC10140516 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1125574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and objectives An increasing number of research studies point toward the importance and prevalence of long-term neurocognitive symptoms following infection with COVID-19. Our objectives were to capture the prevalence of cognitive impairments from 1 to 16 months post-COVID-19 infection, assess the changes in neuropsychological functions over time, and identify factors that can predict long-term deficits in cognition. Methodology A cross-sectional research design was adopted to compare four sub-samples recruited over a 16-month timeframe (1-4, 5-8, 9-12, and 13-16 months). Phone interviews were conducted at least 6 weeks after being infected by COVID-19. Sociodemographic and clinical questionnaires were administered followed by standardized neurocognitive and psychological tests and health questionnaires screening cognitive symptoms, anxiety, depression, fatigue, and autonomy. Results Regarding general health questionnaires, 55.2% of the 134 participants had symptoms of psychiatric illness, while 21.6% of patients had moderate-to-severe anxiety or depression. Cognitive efficiency was diminished in 19.4% of our population. Executive dysfunction was screened in 56% of patients, and an impairment of cognitive flexibility and inhibition was revealed in 38.8%. Depression, hospital or intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and the duration of hospital or ICU stay were associated with an inhibition deficit. The duration elapsed from the initial infection, and the neurocognitive assessment was not associated with a decrease in inhibition deficit. The prevalence of cognitive impairments, other than inhibition deficit, tended to decrease during the study period. Discussion This study supports the extensive literature on the cognitive and neuropsychiatric sequelae of COVID-19 and highlights long-lasting inhibition deficits, while other cognitive functions seemed to improve over time. The severity of infection could interact as a catalyst in the complex interplay between depression and executive functions. The absence of a relation between inhibition deficits and sociodemographic or medical factors reinforces the need for cognitive screening in all COVID-19 patients. Future research should focus on inhibition deficits longitudinally to assess the progression of this impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Saucier
- Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
- Center de Formation Médicale du Nouveau-Brunswick, Moncton, NB, Canada
| | - Caroline Jose
- Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
- Vitality Health Network, Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont University Hospital Centre, Moncton, NB, Canada
| | - Zaynab Beroual
- Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
- Center de Formation Médicale du Nouveau-Brunswick, Moncton, NB, Canada
| | - Mohammad Al-Qadi
- Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
- Center de Formation Médicale du Nouveau-Brunswick, Moncton, NB, Canada
| | - Simon Chartrand
- Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
- Center de Formation Médicale du Nouveau-Brunswick, Moncton, NB, Canada
| | - Eméraldine Libert
- Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
- Center de Formation Médicale du Nouveau-Brunswick, Moncton, NB, Canada
| | - Marie-Claire Losier
- Vitality Health Network, Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont University Hospital Centre, Moncton, NB, Canada
| | - Kendra Cooling
- Vitality Health Network, Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont University Hospital Centre, Moncton, NB, Canada
| | - Gabriel Girouard
- Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
- Center de Formation Médicale du Nouveau-Brunswick, Moncton, NB, Canada
- Vitality Health Network, Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont University Hospital Centre, Moncton, NB, Canada
| | - Jalila Jbilou
- Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
- Center de Formation Médicale du Nouveau-Brunswick, Moncton, NB, Canada
- School of Psychology, Université de Moncton, Moncton, NB, Canada
| | - Ludivine Chamard-Witkowski
- Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
- Center de Formation Médicale du Nouveau-Brunswick, Moncton, NB, Canada
- Vitality Health Network, Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont University Hospital Centre, Moncton, NB, Canada
- *Correspondence: Ludivine Chamard-Witkowski,
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Lim EHT, van Amstel RBE, de Boer VV, van Vught LA, de Bruin S, Brouwer MC, Vlaar APJ, van de Beek D. Complement activation in COVID-19 and targeted therapeutic options: A scoping review. Blood Rev 2023; 57:100995. [PMID: 35934552 PMCID: PMC9338830 DOI: 10.1016/j.blre.2022.100995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Increasing evidence suggests that activation of the complement system plays a key role in the pathogenesis and disease severity of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We used a systematic approach to create an overview of complement activation in COVID-19 based on histopathological, preclinical, multiomics, observational and clinical interventional studies. A total of 1801 articles from PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane was screened of which 157 articles were included in this scoping review. Histopathological, preclinical, multiomics and observational studies showed apparent complement activation through all three complement pathways and a correlation with disease severity and mortality. The complement system was targeted at different levels in COVID-19, of which C5 and C5a inhibition seem most promising. Adequately powered, double blind RCTs are necessary in order to further investigate the effect of targeting the complement system in COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Endry Hartono Taslim Lim
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands,Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Laboratory of Experimental Intensive Care and Anesthesiology (L.E.I.C.A.), Amsterdam, the Netherlands,Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Department of Neurology, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands,Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Rombout Benjamin Ezra van Amstel
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands,Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Laboratory of Experimental Intensive Care and Anesthesiology (L.E.I.C.A.), Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Vieve Victoria de Boer
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Lonneke Alette van Vught
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands,Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Sanne de Bruin
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands,Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Laboratory of Experimental Intensive Care and Anesthesiology (L.E.I.C.A.), Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Matthijs Christian Brouwer
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Department of Neurology, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands,Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Alexander Petrus Johannes Vlaar
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Laboratory of Experimental Intensive Care and Anesthesiology (L.E.I.C.A.), Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Diederik van de Beek
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Department of Neurology, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands,Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Induces Hemagglutination: Implications for COVID-19 Morbidities and Therapeutics and for Vaccine Adverse Effects. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232415480. [PMID: 36555121 PMCID: PMC9779393 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232415480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Experimental findings for SARS-CoV-2 related to the glycan biochemistry of coronaviruses indicate that attachments from spike protein to glycoconjugates on the surfaces of red blood cells (RBCs), other blood cells and endothelial cells are key to the infectivity and morbidity of COVID-19. To provide further insight into these glycan attachments and their potential clinical relevance, the classic hemagglutination (HA) assay was applied using spike protein from the Wuhan, Alpha, Delta and Omicron B.1.1.529 lineages of SARS-CoV-2 mixed with human RBCs. The electrostatic potential of the central region of spike protein from these four lineages was studied through molecular modeling simulations. Inhibition of spike protein-induced HA was tested using the macrocyclic lactone ivermectin (IVM), which is indicated to bind strongly to SARS-CoV-2 spike protein glycan sites. The results of these experiments were, first, that spike protein from these four lineages of SARS-CoV-2 induced HA. Omicron induced HA at a significantly lower threshold concentration of spike protein than the three prior lineages and was much more electropositive on its central spike protein region. IVM blocked HA when added to RBCs prior to spike protein and reversed HA when added afterward. These results validate and extend prior findings on the role of glycan bindings of viral spike protein in COVID-19. They furthermore suggest therapeutic options using competitive glycan-binding agents such as IVM and may help elucidate rare serious adverse effects (AEs) associated with COVID-19 mRNA vaccines, which use spike protein as the generated antigen.
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Magro C, Nuovo G. The spectrum of complement pathway activation is integral to the pathogenesis of severe COVID-19. Brain 2022; 145:e115-e117. [DOI: 10.1093/brain/awac311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia Magro
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine , New York, NY 10065 , USA
| | - Gerard Nuovo
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center , Columbus, OH 43210 , USA
- GNOME DX , Powell, OH 43065 , USA
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Histologic, viral, and molecular correlates of heart disease in fatal COVID-19. Ann Diagn Pathol 2022; 60:151983. [PMID: 35660807 PMCID: PMC9148434 DOI: 10.1016/j.anndiagpath.2022.151983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Cardiac manifestations are common in severe COVID-19. This study compared the histologic, viral, and molecular findings in cardiac tissue in fatal COVID-19 (n = 11) and controls (n = 11). In situ hybridization (SARS-CoV2 RNA) and immunohistochemistry for viral proteins and the host response were quantified for the samples and compared with qRTPCR and Western blot data. Control hearts showed a high resident population of macrophages that had variable ACE2 expression. Cardiac ACE2 expression was 10× greater in the heart tissues of cases and controls with obesity or type II diabetes. Multifocal endothelial cell swelling and degeneration, perivascular edema plus microvascular thrombi were unique to the cases. SARS-CoV2 RNA and nucleocapsid protein were rarely detected in situ in any COVID-19 heart. However, in each case abundant SARS-CoV-2 spike protein was evident. Co-expression experiments showed that the spike protein localized mostly to the ACE2+ interstitial macrophages/pericytes that were activated as evidenced by increased IL6 and TNFα expression. Western blots confirmed the presence of the viral spike protein, but not the nucleocapsid protein, in the cardiac homogenates. The intercalated disc proteins connexin 43, the primary cardiac gap junction protein, and NaV1.5, the predominant cardiac sodium channel, each showed marked lateral migration in the myocytes in the cases, which would increase the risk of reentrant arrhythmias. It is concluded that the viral spike protein, endocytosed by macrophages/pericytes, can induce a myocarditis with the possibility of conduction dysfunction due to abnormal localization of key intercalated disc proteins.
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Nuovo GJ, Suster D, Sawant D, Mishra A, Michaille JJ, Tili E. The amplification of CNS damage in Alzheimer's disease due to SARS-CoV2 infection. Ann Diagn Pathol 2022; 61:152057. [PMID: 36334414 PMCID: PMC9616485 DOI: 10.1016/j.anndiagpath.2022.152057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Pre-existing Alzheimer's disease is a risk factor for severe/fatal COVID-19 and infection by SARS-CoV2 virus has been associated with an increased incidence of un-masked Alzheimer's disease. The molecular basis whereby SARS-CoV2 may amplify Alzheimer's disease is not well understood. This study analyzed the molecular changes in autopsy brain tissues from people with pre-existing dementia who died of COVID-19 (n = 5) which was compared to equivalent tissues of people who died of COVID-19 with no history of dementia (n = 8), Alzheimer's disease pre-COVID-19 (n = 10) and aged matched controls (n = 10) in a blinded fashion. Immunohistochemistry analyses for hyperphosphorylated tau protein, α-synuclein, and β-amyloid-42 confirmed the diagnoses of Alzheimer's disease (n = 4), and Lewy body dementia (n = 1) in the COVID-19 group. The brain tissues from patients who died of COVID-19 with no history of dementia showed a diffuse microangiopathy marked by endocytosis of spike subunit S1 and S2 in primarily CD31+ endothelia with strong co-localization with ACE2, Caspase-3, IL6, TNFα, and Complement component 6 that was not associated with SARS-CoV2 RNA. Microglial activation marked by increased TMEM119 and MCP1 protein expression closely paralleled the endocytosed spike protein. The COVID-19 tissues from people with no pre-existing dementia showed, compared to controls, 5-10× fold increases in expression of neuronal NOS and NMDAR2 as well as a marked decrease in the expression of proteins whose loss is associated with worsening Alzheimer's disease: MFSD2a, SHIP1, BCL6, BCL10, and BACH1. In COVID-19 tissues from people with dementia the widespread spike-induced microencephalitis with the concomitant microglial activation co-existed in the same areas where neurons had hyperphosphorylated tau protein suggesting that the already dysfunctional neurons were additionally stressed by the SARS-CoV2 induced microangiopathy. ACE2+ human brain endothelial cells treated with high dose (but not vaccine equivalent low dose) spike S1 protein demonstrated each of the molecular changes noted in the in vivo COVID-19 and COVID-19/Alzheimer's disease brain tissues. It is concluded that fatal COVID-19 induces a diffuse microencephalitis and microglial activation in the brain due to endocytosis of circulating viral spike protein that amplifies pre-existing dementia in at least two ways: 1) modulates the expression of proteins that may worsen Alzheimer's disease and 2) stresses the already dysfunctional neurons by causing an acute proinflammatory/hypercoagulable/hypoxic microenvironment in areas with abundant hyperphosphorylated tau protein and/or βA-42.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerard J Nuovo
- Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA; GnomeDX, Powell, OH, USA.
| | - David Suster
- Rutgers University Hospital Department of Pathology, Newark, NY, USA
| | | | | | - Jean-Jacques Michaille
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Esmerina Tili
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
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Conway EM, Mackman N, Warren RQ, Wolberg AS, Mosnier LO, Campbell RA, Gralinski LE, Rondina MT, van de Veerdonk FL, Hoffmeister KM, Griffin JH, Nugent D, Moon K, Morrissey JH. Understanding COVID-19-associated coagulopathy. Nat Rev Immunol 2022; 22:639-649. [PMID: 35931818 PMCID: PMC9362465 DOI: 10.1038/s41577-022-00762-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 63.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19-associated coagulopathy (CAC) is a life-threatening complication of SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms driving this condition are unclear. Evidence supports the concept that CAC involves complex interactions between the innate immune response, the coagulation and fibrinolytic pathways, and the vascular endothelium, resulting in a procoagulant condition. Understanding of the pathogenesis of this condition at the genomic, molecular and cellular levels is needed in order to mitigate thrombosis formation in at-risk patients. In this Perspective, we categorize our current understanding of CAC into three main pathological mechanisms: first, vascular endothelial cell dysfunction; second, a hyper-inflammatory immune response; and last, hypercoagulability. Furthermore, we pose key questions and identify research gaps that need to be addressed to better understand CAC, facilitate improved diagnostics and aid in therapeutic development. Finally, we consider the suitability of different animal models to study CAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward M Conway
- Centre for Blood Research, Life Sciences Institute, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Nigel Mackman
- Department of Medicine, UNC Blood Research Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Ronald Q Warren
- Molecular Cellular and Systems Blood Science Branch, Division of Blood Diseases and Resources, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Alisa S Wolberg
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, UNC Blood Research Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Laurent O Mosnier
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Robert A Campbell
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of General Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Lisa E Gralinski
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Matthew T Rondina
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of General Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Frank L van de Veerdonk
- Department of Internal Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Karin M Hoffmeister
- Versiti Translational Glycomics Center, Blood Research Institute and Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - John H Griffin
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Diane Nugent
- Department of Paediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Kyung Moon
- Molecular Cellular and Systems Blood Science Branch, Division of Blood Diseases and Resources, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA.
- Bacteriology and Mycology Branch, Division of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - James H Morrissey
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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46
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Chenevier-Gobeaux C, Ducastel M, Meritet JF, Ballaa Y, Chapuis N, Pene F, Carlier N, Roche N, Szwebel TA, Terrier B, Borderie D. Plasma Endocan as a Biomarker of Thrombotic Events in COVID-19 Patients. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11195560. [PMID: 36233427 PMCID: PMC9572304 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11195560] [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: 08/20/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Endocan is a marker of endothelial dysfunction that may be associated with thrombotic events. The aim of the study was to investigate the performance of endocan as a marker of thrombotic events in COVID-19 patients. (2) Methods: We measured endocan in plasma from 79 documented COVID-19 patients classified according to disease severity (from mild to critical). Thrombotic events were recorded. (3) Results: Endocan concentrations at admission were significantly increased according to COVID-19 severity. Levels of endocan were significantly increased in patients experiencing thrombotic events in comparison with those without (16.2 (5.5−26.7) vs. 1.81 (0.71−10.5) ng/mL, p < 0.001). However, endocan concentrations were not different between pulmonary embolism and other thrombotic events. The Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis for the identification of thrombotic events showed an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.776 with an optimal threshold at 2.83 ng/mL (93.8% sensitivity and 54.7% specificity). When combining an endocan measurement with D-dimers, the AUC increased to 0.853. When considering both biomarkers, the Kaplan−Meier survival curves showed that the combination of endocan and D-dimers better discriminated patients with thrombotic events than those without. The combination of D-dimers and endocan was independently associated with thrombotic events. (4) Conclusions: Endocan might be a useful and informative biomarker to better identify thrombotic events in COVID-19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Chenevier-Gobeaux
- Department of Automated Biological Diagnostic, Cochin Hospital, APHP-Centre Université de Paris, CEDEX 14, 75679 Paris, France
- Correspondence:
| | - Morgane Ducastel
- Department of Automated Biological Diagnostic, Cochin Hospital, APHP-Centre Université de Paris, CEDEX 14, 75679 Paris, France
| | - Jean-François Meritet
- Department of Virology, Cochin Hospital, APHP-Centre Université de Paris, CEDEX 14, 75679 Paris, France
| | - Yassine Ballaa
- Department of Automated Biological Diagnostic, Cochin Hospital, APHP-Centre Université de Paris, CEDEX 14, 75679 Paris, France
| | - Nicolas Chapuis
- Department of Haematology, Cochin Hospital, APHP-Centre Université de Paris, CEDEX 14, 75679 Paris, France
| | - Frédéric Pene
- Medical Intensive Care Unit, Cochin Hospital, APHP-Centre Université de Paris, CEDEX 14, 75679 Paris, France
- UMR 8104, INSERM U1016, CNRS, Université de Paris, 75014 Paris, France
| | - Nicolas Carlier
- Department of Pulmonology, Cochin Hospital, APHP-Centre Université de Paris, CEDEX 14, 75679 Paris, France
| | - Nicolas Roche
- Department of Pulmonology, Cochin Hospital, APHP-Centre Université de Paris, CEDEX 14, 75679 Paris, France
- UMR 1016, Institut Cochin, Université de Paris, 75014 Paris, France
| | - Tali-Anne Szwebel
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cochin Hospital, APHP-Centre Université de Paris, CEDEX 14, 75679 Paris, France
- Centre de Référence Maladies Auto-Immunes et Maladies Systémiques Rares, d’Ile-de-France, Université de Paris, 75014 Paris, France
- INSERM U970, Paris–Cardiovascular Research Center (PARCC), Université de Paris, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Benjamin Terrier
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cochin Hospital, APHP-Centre Université de Paris, CEDEX 14, 75679 Paris, France
- Centre de Référence Maladies Auto-Immunes et Maladies Systémiques Rares, d’Ile-de-France, Université de Paris, 75014 Paris, France
- INSERM U970, Paris–Cardiovascular Research Center (PARCC), Université de Paris, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Didier Borderie
- Department of Automated Biological Diagnostic, Cochin Hospital, APHP-Centre Université de Paris, CEDEX 14, 75679 Paris, France
- INSERM UMRs 1124, Université de Paris, 75006 Paris, France
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47
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Bhargavan B, Kanmogne GD. SARS-CoV-2 Spike Proteins and Cell-Cell Communication Inhibits TFPI and Induces Thrombogenic Factors in Human Lung Microvascular Endothelial Cells and Neutrophils: Implications for COVID-19 Coagulopathy Pathogenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:10436. [PMID: 36142345 PMCID: PMC9499475 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In SARS-CoV-2-infected humans, disease progression is often associated with acute respiratory distress syndrome involving severe lung injury, coagulopathy, and thrombosis of the alveolar capillaries. The pathogenesis of these pulmonary complications in COVID-19 patients has not been elucidated. Autopsy study of these patients showed SARS-CoV-2 virions in pulmonary vessels and sequestrated leukocytes infiltrates associated with endotheliopathy and microvascular thrombosis. Since SARS-CoV-2 enters and infects target cells by binding its spike (S) protein to cellular angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), and there is evidence that vascular endothelial cells and neutrophils express ACE2, we investigated the effect of S-proteins and cell-cell communication on primary human lung microvascular endothelial cells (HLMEC) and neutrophils expression of thrombogenic factors and the potential mechanisms. Using S-proteins of two different SARS-CoV-2 variants (Wuhan and Delta), we demonstrate that exposure of HLMEC or neutrophils to S-proteins, co-culture of HLMEC exposed to S-proteins with non-exposed neutrophils, or co-culture of neutrophils exposed to S-proteins with non-exposed HLMEC induced transcriptional upregulation of tissue factor (TF), significantly increased the expression and secretion of factor (F)-V, thrombin, and fibrinogen and inhibited tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI), the primary regulator of the extrinsic pathway of blood coagulation, in both cell types. Recombinant (r)TFPI and a thiol blocker (5,5'-dithio-bis-(2-nitrobenzoic acid)) prevented S-protein-induced expression and secretion of Factor-V, thrombin, and fibrinogen. Thrombomodulin blocked S-protein-induced expression and secretion of fibrinogen but had no effect on S-protein-induced expression of Factor-V or thrombin. These results suggests that following SARS-CoV-2 contact with the pulmonary endothelium or neutrophils and endothelial-neutrophil interactions, viral S-proteins induce coagulopathy via the TF pathway and mechanisms involving functional thiol groups. These findings suggest that using rTFPI and/or thiol-based drugs could be a viable therapeutic strategy against SARS-CoV-2-induced coagulopathy and thrombosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Georgette D. Kanmogne
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5800, USA
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48
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Federico M. How Do Anti-SARS-CoV-2 mRNA Vaccines Protect from Severe Disease? Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:10374. [PMID: 36142284 PMCID: PMC9499329 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 pathogenesis develops in two phases. First, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (SARS-CoV)-2 spreads within the epithelial cells of the mucosa of upper and, possibly, lower respiratory tracts. While the virus dissemination can be controlled by an emerging adaptive host immune response, if the virus diffuses to the pulmonary alveoli, a potentially lethal mechanism can arise in the second phase. It consists of an uncontrolled burst of cytokines/inflammatory factors (i.e., cytokine storm), leading to the insurgence of respiratory symptoms and, consequently, multi-organ failures. Messenger (m)RNA-based vaccines represent the most innovative approach in terms of prophylaxis against SARS-CoV-2-induced disease. The cumulating data indicate that the response to mRNA vaccines is basically ineffective to counteract the viral replication in the upper respiratory tracts, while showing efficacy in containing the development of severe disease. Considering that the antiviral immunity elicited by intramuscularly delivered mRNA vaccines is expected to show similar quantitative and qualitative features in upper and lower respiratory tracts, the different outcomes appear surprising and deserve accurate consideration. In this review, a still unexplored mechanism accounting for the mRNA vaccine effect against severe disease is proposed. Based on well-established experimental evidence, a possible inhibitory effect on alveolar macrophages as a consequence of the diffusion of the extracellular and/or cell-associated Spike protein can be envisioned as a key event counteracting the cytokine storm. This benefit, however, may be associated with defects in the immune functions of macrophages in other tissues whose possible consequences deserve careful evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Federico
- National Center for Global Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
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49
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Suster D, Tili E, Nuovo GJ. The differential immune response in mild versus fatal SARS-CoV2 infection. Ann Diagn Pathol 2022; 61:152032. [PMID: 36113259 PMCID: PMC9436872 DOI: 10.1016/j.anndiagpath.2022.152032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
This study compared the immune response in mild versus fatal SARS-CoV2 infection. Forty nasopharyngeal swabs with either productive mild infection (n = 20) or negative for SARS-CoV2 (n = 20) were tested along with ten lung sections from people who died of COVID-19 which contained abundant SARS-CoV2 and ten controls. There was a 25-fold increase in the CD3+T cell numbers in the viral positive nasopharyngeal swabs compared to the controls (p < 0.001) and no change in the CD3+T cell count in the fatal COVID-19 lungs versus the controls. CD11b + and CD206+ macrophage counts were significantly higher in the mild versus fatal disease (p = 0.002). In situ analysis for SARS-CoV2 RNA found ten COVID-19 lung sections that had no/rare detectable virus and also lacked the microangiopathy typical of the viral positive sections. These viral negative lung tissues when compared to the viral positive lung samples showed a highly significant increase in CD3+ and CD8 T cells (p < 0.001), equivalent numbers of CD163+ cells, and significantly less PDL1, CD11b and CD206+ cells (p = 0.002). It is concluded that mild SARS-CoV2 infection is marked by a much stronger CD3/CD8 T cell, CD11b, and CD206 macrophage response than the fatal lung disease where viral RNA is abundant.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Suster
- Rutgers University Hospital Department of Pathology, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Esmerina Tili
- The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Department of Anesthesiology, College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Gerard J Nuovo
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA; GnomeDX, Powell, OH, USA.
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Giannella A, Riccetti S, Sinigaglia A, Piubelli C, Razzaboni E, Di Battista P, Agostini M, Dal Molin E, Manganelli R, Gobbi F, Ceolotto G, Barzon L. Circulating microRNA signatures associated with disease severity and outcome in COVID-19 patients. Front Immunol 2022; 13:968991. [PMID: 36032130 PMCID: PMC9403711 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.968991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background SARS-CoV-2 induces a spectrum of clinical conditions ranging from asymptomatic infection to life threatening severe disease. Host microRNAs have been involved in the cytokine storm driven by SARS-CoV-2 infection and proposed as candidate biomarkers for COVID-19. Methods To discover signatures of circulating miRNAs associated with COVID-19, disease severity and mortality, small RNA-sequencing was performed on serum samples collected from 89 COVID-19 patients (34 severe, 29 moderate, 26 mild) at hospital admission and from 45 healthy controls (HC). To search for possible sources of miRNAs, investigation of differentially expressed (DE) miRNAs in relevant human cell types in vitro. Results COVID-19 patients showed upregulation of miRNAs associated with lung disease, vascular damage and inflammation and downregulation of miRNAs that inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, angiogenesis, and stress response. Compared with mild/moderate disease, patients with severe COVID-19 had a miRNA signature indicating a profound impairment of innate and adaptive immune responses, inflammation, lung fibrosis and heart failure. A subset of the DE miRNAs predicted mortality. In particular, a combination of high serum miR-22-3p and miR-21-5p, which target antiviral response genes, and low miR-224-5p and miR-155-5p, targeting pro-inflammatory factors, discriminated severe from mild/moderate COVID-19 (AUROC 0.88, 95% CI 0.80-0.95, p<0.0001), while high leukocyte count and low levels of miR-1-3p, miR-23b-3p, miR-141-3p, miR-155-5p and miR-4433b-5p predicted mortality with high sensitivity and specificity (AUROC 0.95, 95% CI 0.89-1.00, p<0.0001). In vitro experiments showed that some of the DE miRNAs were modulated directly by SARS-CoV-2 infection in permissive lung epithelial cells. Conclusions We discovered circulating miRNAs associated with COVID-19 severity and mortality. The identified DE miRNAs provided clues on COVID-19 pathogenesis, highlighting signatures of impaired interferon and antiviral responses, inflammation, organ damage and cardiovascular failure as associated with severe disease and death.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Silvia Riccetti
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Chiara Piubelli
- Department of Infectious-Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Verona, Italy
| | - Elisa Razzaboni
- Department of Infectious-Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Verona, Italy
| | - Piero Di Battista
- Maternal and Child Health Department, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Matteo Agostini
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Riccardo Manganelli
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, Padova University Hospital, Padova, Italy
| | - Federico Gobbi
- Department of Infectious-Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Verona, Italy
| | | | - Luisa Barzon
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, Padova University Hospital, Padova, Italy
- *Correspondence: Luisa Barzon,
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