Innate Immune Activation and Mitochondrial ROS Invoke Persistent Cardiac Conduction System Dysfunction after COVID-19

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Immunology
• Virology

Background:

• Cardiac risks, including arrhythmias, are associated with acute SARS-CoV-2 infection and long COVID.
• The precise mechanisms underlying COVID-19-related cardiac arrhythmias remain largely unknown.
• This study investigates the acute and chronic effects of SARS-CoV-2 on the cardiac conduction system (CCS) using a hamster model.

Conclusions:

• COVID-19 leads to long-term CCS dysfunction and immune cell remodeling, driven indirectly by oxidative stress and overactive cardiac innate immune responses.
• These findings highlight the role of innate immunity in COVID-19-associated cardiac issues and have significant implications for understanding and managing long COVID Syndrome.
• Inhibition of JAK/STAT signaling and mitochondrial antioxidants mitigated both pulmonary and cardiac effects, suggesting potential therapeutic targets.