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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Dec 25, 2025

Cigarette Smoke Exposure in Mice using a Whole-Body Inhalation System

Cigarette Smoke Exposure in Mice using a Whole-Body Inhalation System

Published on: October 22, 2020

Does COVID19 Infect the Brain? If So, Smokers Might Be at a Higher Risk.

Nadine Kabbani¹, James L Olds²

¹School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia (N.K.) and Schar School of Policy and Government, George Mason University, Arlington, Virginia (J.L.O.) nkabbani@gmu.edu.

Molecular Pharmacology

|April 3, 2020

Summary

The SARS-CoV-2 virus may infect the human nervous system by targeting the ACE2 protein. Nicotine use could increase the risk of COVID-19 neuroinfection, warranting further investigation.

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Area of Science:

Neurology
Infectious Diseases
Virology

Background:

COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, presents with diverse symptoms, including neurological manifestations.
The virus's entry mechanism involves interaction with the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE2) receptor.
Previous research indicates SARS-CoV can infect the human nervous system.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the potential of SARS-CoV-2 to infect the human nervous system.
To explore the role of ACE2 expression in the brain regarding neuroinfection.
To assess the impact of nicotine exposure on COVID-19 neuroinfection risk.

Main Methods:

Analysis of ACE2 expression patterns in the human brain.
Review of existing literature on SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 neurotropism.
Examination of functional interactions between nicotinic receptors and ACE2.

Main Results:

Strong expression of ACE2 throughout the brain suggests susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 entry.
Nicotine's interaction with nicotinic receptors may facilitate viral entry via ACE2.
Neurological complications are increasingly reported in COVID-19 patients.

Conclusions:

SARS-CoV-2 has the potential to infect the human nervous system.
Nicotine use may elevate the risk of COVID-19 neuroinfection.
Increased surveillance for neurological complications in COVID-19 patients is crucial.