Does SARS-Cov-2 invade the brain? Translational lessons from animal models.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Virology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, raises concerns about potential neurotropic effects.
• Neurological complications following SARS-CoV-2 infection are increasingly reported, necessitating a translational approach to understand the nervous system impact.
• Animal models of SARS and MERS provide insights into coronavirus neuroinvasion and potential central nervous system (CNS) spread.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current knowledge on coronavirus neurotropism using data from previous CoV infections.
• To discuss the relevance of these findings to understanding the neurological impact of SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19.
• To highlight the importance of developing disease models for investigating emerging neurological complications.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on animal models of SARS and MERS.
• Analysis of the role of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) as a viral entry receptor.
• Discussion of the potential mechanisms of neuroinvasion and neurological damage by SARS-CoV-2.

Main Results:

• Coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2, utilize ACE2 for cell entry.
• SARS-CoV-2 exhibits higher binding affinity to ACE2 compared to SARS-CoV, suggesting greater neuroinvasive potential.
• ACE2 expression in neurons and endothelial cells supports potential CNS entry and damage.

Conclusions:

• SARS-CoV-2 may possess significant neuroinvasive capabilities, warranting further investigation.
• Both direct viral effects and indirect immune-mediated responses could contribute to COVID-19 neurological manifestations.
• Developing robust disease models is crucial for understanding SARS-CoV-2 pathogenicity and neurological sequelae.