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Mitochondrial Disruption in Viral-Mediated Neuronal Injury: A Mechanistic Perspective
Shuqi Shi1, Mingzhu Zhai2, Benqing Wu3
1Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
Abstract:
Neuronal injury is a major pathological issue that cannot be ignored during viral infections. Mitochondria, the energy factories of the cell, play a unique role in this scenario and are severely impacted when viruses infect host cells. Viruses invade and infect cells via specific mechanisms, causing changes in cellular structure and function. These changes not only directly affect mitochondria but also disrupt their normal function through indirect pathways. This paper reviews the mechanisms of mitochondrial damage induced by infections with SARS-CoV-2, herpesviruses, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV), providing new insights and strategies for preventing and treating neuronal injury.
Insights
Viral infections severely impact mitochondria, leading to neuronal injury. This review explores how viruses like SARS-CoV-2, HIV, and HCV cause mitochondrial damage, offering insights for treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Virology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Neuronal injury is a significant pathological consequence of viral infections.
- Mitochondria are crucial cellular components severely affected during viral pathogenesis.
- Viruses employ diverse mechanisms to invade cells, disrupting cellular functions and impacting mitochondria directly and indirectly.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the mechanisms of mitochondrial damage induced by specific viral infections.
- To provide insights into preventing and treating viral-induced neuronal injury.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of viral-induced mitochondrial dysfunction.
- Analysis of mechanisms of damage caused by SARS-CoV-2, herpesviruses, HIV, and HCV.
Main Results:
- Viral infections trigger significant mitochondrial dysfunction.
- Specific viruses like SARS-CoV-2, herpesviruses, HIV, and HCV induce neuronal injury through mitochondrial damage pathways.
Conclusions:
- Understanding viral-induced mitochondrial damage is key to addressing neuronal injury.
- New strategies for preventing and treating neuronal injury can be developed based on these mechanisms.
