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A Murine Model of Post-acute Neurological Sequelae Following SARS-CoV-2 Variant Infection
Biorxiv : the Preprint Server for Biology
|January 23, 2024
Summary
The SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant causes long COVID symptoms in mice, including behavioral changes. This model helps study persistent post-COVID conditions and test new treatments.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Viral variants are linked to post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC), but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear.
- Understanding PASC pathogenesis is crucial for developing effective treatments and preventative strategies.
Approach:
- K18-hACE2 mice were infected with the SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant to model PASC.
- Longitudinal studies assessed behavioral changes, viral persistence, neuroinflammation, and immune responses post-infection.
Key Points:
- Infection induced acute illness and persistent neuropsychiatric and motor deficits in surviving mice.
- No significant viral RNA or neuroinflammation was detected post-acute infection, despite persistent immune pathway activation.
- Mice maintained robust cellular and humoral immunity against SARS-CoV-2 variants for months.
Conclusions:
- K18-hACE2 mouse model replicates long COVID symptoms, offering a platform for therapeutic and vaccine research.
- Persistent immune activation, not active viral replication, may drive PASC symptoms.
- The model is valuable for evaluating interventions against SARS-CoV-2 variants.
