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Ayyubova G, Gychka SG, Nikolaienko SI, Alghenaim FA, Teramoto T, Shults NV, Suzuki YJ. The Role of Furin in the Pathogenesis of COVID-19-Associated Neurological Disorders. Life (Basel) 2024; 14:279. [PMID: 38398788 PMCID: PMC10890058 DOI: 10.3390/life14020279] [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: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurological disorders have been reported in a large number of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients, suggesting that this disease may have long-term adverse neurological consequences. COVID-19 occurs from infection by a positive-sense single-stranded RNA virus called severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The membrane fusion protein of SARS-CoV-2, the spike protein, binds to its human host receptor, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), to initiate membrane fusion between the virus and host cell. The spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 contains the furin protease recognition site and its cleavage enhances the infectivity of this virus. The binding of SARS-CoV-2 to the ACE2 receptor has been shown to downregulate ACE2, thereby increasing the levels of pathogenic angiotensin II (Ang II). The furin protease cleaves between the S1 subunit of the spike protein with the binding domain toward ACE2 and the S2 subunit with the transmembrane domain that anchors to the viral membrane, and this activity releases the S1 subunit into the blood circulation. The released S1 subunit of the spike protein also binds to and downregulates ACE2, in turn increasing the level of Ang II. Considering that a viral particle contains many spike protein molecules, furin-dependent cleavage would release many free S1 protein molecules, each of which can downregulate ACE2, while infection with a viral particle only affects one ACE2 molecule. Therefore, the furin-dependent release of S1 protein would dramatically amplify the ability to downregulate ACE2 and produce Ang II. We hypothesize that this amplification mechanism that the virus possesses, but not the infection per se, is the major driving force behind COVID-19-associated neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gunel Ayyubova
- Department of Cytology, Embryology and Histology, Azerbaijan Medical University, Baku AZ1022, Azerbaijan
| | - Sergiy G Gychka
- Department of Pathological Anatomy, Bogomolets National Medical University, 01601 Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Sofia I Nikolaienko
- Department of Pathological Anatomy, Bogomolets National Medical University, 01601 Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Fada A Alghenaim
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20007, USA
| | - Tadahisa Teramoto
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20007, USA
| | - Nataliia V Shults
- Department of Biology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20007, USA
| | - Yuichiro J Suzuki
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20007, USA
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Bejoy J, Williams CI, Cole HJ, Manzoor S, Davoodi P, Battaile JI, Kaushik A, Nikolaienko SI, Brelidze TI, Gychka SG, Suzuki YJ. Effects of spike proteins on angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). Arch Biochem Biophys 2023; 748:109769. [PMID: 37769892 PMCID: PMC10615800 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2023.109769] [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: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic was caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which enters host cells through interactions of its spike protein to Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2). ACE2 is a peptidase that cleaves Angiotensin II, a critical pathological mediator. This study investigated if the spike protein binding to ACE2 compromises its peptidase activity. Spike/ACE2 Binding Assays suggested that spike proteins of SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV, but not HKU1, bind to ACE2. S1 and receptor-binding domain (RBD), but not S2, extracellular domain (ECD) or CendR domain, bind to ACE2. While glycosylated spike proteins prepared in HEK293 cells bind to ACE2, non-glycosylated proteins produced in E. coli do not. Cysteine residues of the spike protein expressed in HEK293 cells are fully oxidized, while those of the protein expressed in E. coli are reduced. The deglycosylation of HEK cell-produced protein attenuates the ACE2 binding, while the oxidation of the E. coli protein does not promote the binding. The S1 protein of SARS-CoV-2 enhances the ACE2 peptidase activity, while SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV or HKU1 does not. The ACE2 activity is enhanced by RBD, but not ECD or CendR. In contrast to distinct ACE2 binding capacities of proteins expressed in HEK293 cells and in E. coli, spike proteins expressed in both systems enhance the ACE2 activity. Thus, the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2, but not other coronaviruses, enhances the ACE2 peptidase activity through its RBD in a glycosylation-independent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennyfer Bejoy
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington DC, 20007, USA
| | - Charlye I Williams
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington DC, 20007, USA
| | - Hattie J Cole
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington DC, 20007, USA
| | - Shavaiz Manzoor
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington DC, 20007, USA
| | - Parsa Davoodi
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington DC, 20007, USA
| | - Jacqueline I Battaile
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington DC, 20007, USA
| | - Arjun Kaushik
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington DC, 20007, USA
| | - Sofia I Nikolaienko
- Department of Pathological Anatomy, Bogomolets National Medical University, Kyiv, 01601, Ukraine
| | - Tinatin I Brelidze
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington DC, 20007, USA
| | - Sergiy G Gychka
- Department of Pathological Anatomy, Bogomolets National Medical University, Kyiv, 01601, Ukraine
| | - Yuichiro J Suzuki
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington DC, 20007, USA.
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Suh AJ, Suzuki DI, Gychka SG, Brelidze TI, Suzuki YJ. gp120 Envelope Glycoproteins of HIV-1 Group M Subtype A and Subtype B Differentially Affect Gene Expression in Human Vascular Endothelial Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:3536. [PMID: 36834948 PMCID: PMC9964012 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular complications are seen among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive individuals, who now survive longer due to successful antiretroviral therapies. Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a fatal disease characterized by increased blood pressure in the lung circulation. The prevalence of PAH in the HIV-positive population is dramatically higher than that in the general population. While HIV-1 Group M Subtype B is the most prevalent subtype in western countries, the majority of HIV-1 infections in eastern Africa and former Soviet Union countries are caused by Subtype A. Research on vascular complications in the HIV-positive population in the context of subtype differences, however, has not been rigorous. Much of the research on HIV has focused on Subtype B, and information on the mechanisms of Subtype A is nonexistent. The lack of such knowledge results in health disparities in the development of therapeutic strategies to prevent/treat HIV complications. The present study examined the effects of HIV-1 gp120 of Subtypes A and B on human pulmonary artery endothelial cells by performing protein arrays. We found that the gene expression changes caused by gp120s of Subtypes A and B are different. Subtype A is a more potent downregulator of perostasin, matrix metalloproteinase-2, and ErbB than Subtype B, while Subtype B is more effective in downregulating monocyte chemotactic protein-2 (MCP-2), MCP-3, and thymus- and activation-regulated chemokine proteins. This is the first report of gp120 proteins affecting host cells in an HIV subtype-specific manner, opening up the possibility that complications occur differently in HIV patients throughout the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J. Suh
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20007, USA
| | - Dante I. Suzuki
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20007, USA
| | - Sergiy G. Gychka
- Department of Pathological Anatomy, Bogomolets National Medical University, 01601 Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Tinatin I. Brelidze
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20007, USA
| | - Yuichiro J. Suzuki
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20007, USA
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Suh AJ, Suzuki DI, Gychka SG, Brelidze TI, Suzuki YJ. gp120 envelope glycoproteins of HIV-1 Group M Subtype A and Subtype B differentially affect gene expression in human vascular endothelial cells. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.03.522636. [PMID: 36711442 PMCID: PMC9881864 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.03.522636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Cardiovascular complications are seen among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive individuals who can now survive longer due to successful antiretroviral therapies. Among them, pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a fatal disease characterized by increased blood pressure in the lung circulation due to vasoconstriction and vascular wall remodeling, resulting in the overworking of the heart. The prevalence of PAH in the HIVpositive population is dramatically higher than that in the general population. While HIV-1 Group M Subtype B is the most prevalent subtype in western countries, the majority of HIV-1 infections in eastern Africa and former Soviet Union countries are caused by Subtype A. Research on the mechanism of vascular complications in the HIV-positive population, especially in the context of subtype differences, however, has not been rigorous. Much of the research on HIV has focused on Subtype B and information on the molecular mechanisms of Subtype A is non-existent. The lack of such knowledge results in health disparities in the development of therapeutic strategies to prevent/treat HIV complications. The present study examined the effects of HIV-1 viral fusion protein gp120 of Subtypes A and B on cultured human pulmonary artery endothelial cells by performing protein arrays. We found that the gene expression changes caused by the gp120s of Subtypes A and B are different. Specifically, Subtype A is a more potent downregulator of perostasin, matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), and ErbB/Her3 than Subtype B, while Subtype B is more effective in downregulating monocyte chemotactic protein-2 (MCP-2/CCL8), MCP-3 (CCL7), and thymus- and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC/CCL17) proteins. This is the first report of gp120 proteins affecting host cells in an HIV subtype-specific manner, opening up the possibility that vascular complications may occur differently in HIV patients throughout the world.
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mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines-Facts and Hypotheses on Fragmentation and Encapsulation. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 11:vaccines11010040. [PMID: 36679885 PMCID: PMC9864138 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11010040] [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: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The adventure of the mRNA vaccine began thirty years ago in the context of influenza. This consisted in encapsulating the mRNA coding for a viral protein in a lipid particle. We show how the mRNA encoding S protein has been modified for that purpose in the context of the anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. RESULTS by using data coming from genetic and epidemiologic databases, we show the theoretical possibility of fragmentation of this mRNA into small RNA sequences capable of inhibiting important bio-syntheses such as the production of beta-globin. DISCUSSION we discuss two aspects related to mRNA vaccine: (i) the plausibility of mRNA fragmentation, and (ii) the role of liposomal nanoparticles (LNPs) used in the vaccine and their impact on mRNA biodistribution. CONCLUSION we insist on the need to develop lipid nanoparticles allowing personalized administration of vaccines and avoiding adverse effects due to mRNA fragmentation and inefficient biodistribution. Hence, we recommend (i) adapting the mRNA of vaccines to the least mutated virus proteins and (ii) personalizing its administration to the categories of chronic patients at risk most likely to suffer from adverse effects.
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Forsyth CB, Zhang L, Bhushan A, Swanson B, Zhang L, Mamede JI, Voigt RM, Shaikh M, Engen PA, Keshavarzian A. The SARS-CoV-2 S1 Spike Protein Promotes MAPK and NF-kB Activation in Human Lung Cells and Inflammatory Cytokine Production in Human Lung and Intestinal Epithelial Cells. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10101996. [PMID: 36296272 PMCID: PMC9607240 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10101996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic began in January 2020 in Wuhan, China, with a new coronavirus designated SARS-CoV-2. The principal cause of death from COVID-19 disease quickly emerged as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). A key ARDS pathogenic mechanism is the “Cytokine Storm”, which is a dramatic increase in inflammatory cytokines in the blood. In the last two years of the pandemic, a new pathology has emerged in some COVID-19 survivors, in which a variety of long-term symptoms occur, a condition called post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) or “Long COVID”. Therefore, there is an urgent need to better understand the mechanisms of the virus. The spike protein on the surface of the virus is composed of joined S1–S2 subunits. Upon S1 binding to the ACE2 receptor on human cells, the S1 subunit is cleaved and the S2 subunit mediates the entry of the virus. The S1 protein is then released into the blood, which might be one of the pivotal triggers for the initiation and/or perpetuation of the cytokine storm. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that the S1 spike protein is sufficient to activate inflammatory signaling and cytokine production, independent of the virus. Our data support a possible role for the S1 spike protein in the activation of inflammatory signaling and cytokine production in human lung and intestinal epithelial cells in culture. These data support a potential role for the SARS-CoV-2 S1 spike protein in COVID-19 pathogenesis and PASC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher B. Forsyth
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology, Rush Center for Integrated Microbiome and Chronobiology Research, Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Rush University Graduate College, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Lijuan Zhang
- Rush Center for Integrated Microbiome and Chronobiology Research, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Abhinav Bhushan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, IL 60616, USA
| | - Barbara Swanson
- Department of Adult Health & Gerontological Nursing, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Microbial Pathogens and Immunity, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - João I. Mamede
- Department of Microbial Pathogens and Immunity, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Robin M. Voigt
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology, Rush Center for Integrated Microbiome and Chronobiology Research, Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Rush University Graduate College, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Maliha Shaikh
- Rush Center for Integrated Microbiome and Chronobiology Research, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Phillip A. Engen
- Rush Center for Integrated Microbiome and Chronobiology Research, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Ali Keshavarzian
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology, Rush Center for Integrated Microbiome and Chronobiology Research, Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Rush University Graduate College, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
- Correspondence:
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Banerjee S, Wang X, Du S, Zhu C, Jia Y, Wang Y, Cai Q. Comprehensive role of SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein in regulating host signaling pathway. J Med Virol 2022; 94:4071-4087. [PMID: 35488404 PMCID: PMC9348444 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.27820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Since the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, global public health and the economy have suffered unprecedented damage. Based on the increasing related literature, the characteristics and pathogenic mechanisms of the virus, and epidemiological and clinical features of the disease are being rapidly discovered. The spike glycoprotein (S protein), as a key antigen of SARS-CoV-2 for developing vaccines, antibodies, and drug targets, has been shown to play an important role in viral entry, tissue tropism, and pathogenesis. In this review, we summarize the molecular mechanisms of interaction between S protein and host factors, especially receptor-mediated viral modulation of host signaling pathways, and highlight the progression of potential therapeutic targets, prophylactic and therapeutic agents for prevention and treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuvomoy Banerjee
- Department of Biotechnology and BioengineeringKoba Institutional AreaGandhinagarGujaratIndia
| | - Xinyu Wang
- MOE&NHC&CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, Shanghai Institute of Infections Disease and Biosecurity, & School of Basic Medical Science, Shanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Shujuan Du
- MOE&NHC&CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, Shanghai Institute of Infections Disease and Biosecurity, & School of Basic Medical Science, Shanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Caixia Zhu
- MOE&NHC&CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, Shanghai Institute of Infections Disease and Biosecurity, & School of Basic Medical Science, Shanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Yuping Jia
- Shandong Academy of Pharmaceutical SciencesJinanChina
| | - Yuyan Wang
- MOE&NHC&CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, Shanghai Institute of Infections Disease and Biosecurity, & School of Basic Medical Science, Shanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Qiliang Cai
- MOE&NHC&CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, Shanghai Institute of Infections Disease and Biosecurity, & School of Basic Medical Science, Shanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
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Abstract
Copper ions bind to biomolecules (e.g., peptides and proteins) playing an essential role in many biological and physiological pathways in the human body. The resulting complexes may contribute to the initiation of neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, and bacterial and viral diseases, or act as therapeutics. Some compounds can chemically damage biological macromolecules and initiate the development of pathogenic states. Conversely, a number of these compounds may have antibacterial, antiviral, and even anticancer properties. One of the most significant current discussions in Cu biochemistry relates to the mechanisms of the positive and negative actions of Cu ions based on the generation of reactive oxygen species, including radicals that can interact with DNA molecules. This review aims to analyze various peptide–copper complexes and the mechanism of their action.
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Vesce F, Battisti C, Crudo M. The Inflammatory Cytokine Imbalance for Miscarriage, Pregnancy Loss and COVID-19 Pneumonia. Front Immunol 2022; 13:861245. [PMID: 35359975 PMCID: PMC8961687 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.861245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy can be defined a vascular event upon endocrine control. In the human hemo-chorial placentation the chorionic villi penetrate the wall of the uterine spiral arteries, to provide increasing amounts of nutrients and oxygen for optimal fetal growth. In any physiological pregnancy the natural maternal response is of a Th1 inflammatory type, aimed at avoiding blood loss through the arteriolar wall openings. The control of the vascular function, during gestation as in any other condition, is achieved through the action of two main types of prostanoids: prostaglandin E2 and thromboxane on the one hand (for vasoconstriction and coagulation), prostacyclin on the other (for vasodilation and blood fluidification). The control of the maternal immune response is upon the responsibility of the fetus itself. Indeed, the chorionic villi are able to counteract the natural maternal response, thus changing the inflammatory Th1 type into the anti-inflammatory Th2. Clinical and experimental research in the past half century address to inflammation as the leading cause of abortion, pregnancy loss, premature delivery and related pulmonary, cerebral, intestinal fetal syndromes. Increased level of Interleukin 6, Interleukin 1-beta, Tumor Necrosis Factor-alfa, Interferon-gamma, are some among the well-known markers of gestational inflammation. On the other side, COVID-19 pneumonia is a result of extensive inflammation induced by viral replication within the cells of the respiratory tract. As it may happen in the uterine arteries in the absence of an effective fetal control, viral pneumonia triggers pulmonary vascular coagulation. The cytokines involved in the process are the same as those in gestational inflammation. As the fetus breathes throughout the placenta, fetal death from placental thrombosis is similar to adult death from pulmonary thrombosis. Preventing and counteracting inflammation is mandatory in both conditions. The most relevant literature dealing with the above-mentioned concepts is reviewed in the present article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fortunato Vesce
- OB & Gyn Complex Unit, Arcispedale Sant’Anna – Ferrara University, Ferrara, Italy
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Seeherman S, Suzuki YJ. Viral Infection and Cardiovascular Disease: Implications for the Molecular Basis of COVID-19 Pathogenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22041659. [PMID: 33562193 PMCID: PMC7914972 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22041659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The current pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). While this respiratory virus only causes mild symptoms in younger healthy individuals, elderly people and those with cardiovascular diseases such as systemic hypertension are susceptible to developing severe conditions that can be fatal. SARS-CoV-2 infection is also associated with an increased incidence of cardiovascular diseases such as myocardial injury, acute coronary syndrome, and thromboembolism. Understanding the mechanisms of the effects of this virus on the cardiovascular system should thus help develop therapeutic strategies to reduce the mortality and morbidity associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Since this virus causes severe and fatal conditions in older individuals with cardiovascular comorbidities, effective therapies targeting specific populations will likely contribute to ending this pandemic. In this review article, the effects of various viruses—including other coronaviruses, influenza, dengue, and human immunodeficiency virus—on the cardiovascular system are described to help provide molecular mechanisms of pathologies associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19. The goal is to provide mechanistic information from the biology of other viral infections in relation to cardiovascular pathologies for the purpose of developing improved vaccines and therapeutic agents effective in preventing and/or treating the acute and long-term consequences of SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Seeherman
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Erie, PA 16509, USA;
| | - Yuichiro J. Suzuki
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20007, USA
- Correspondence:
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SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Elicits Cell Signaling in Human Host Cells: Implications for Possible Consequences of COVID-19 Vaccines. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9010036. [PMID: 33440640 PMCID: PMC7827936 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9010036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The world is suffering from the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). SARS-CoV-2 uses its spike protein to enter the host cells. Vaccines that introduce the spike protein into our body to elicit virus-neutralizing antibodies are currently being developed. In this article, we note that human host cells sensitively respond to the spike protein to elicit cell signaling. Thus, it is important to be aware that the spike protein produced by the new COVID-19 vaccines may also affect the host cells. We should monitor the long-term consequences of these vaccines carefully, especially when they are administered to otherwise healthy individuals. Further investigations on the effects of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein on human cells and appropriate experimental animal models are warranted.
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