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Chaves JCS, Milton LA, Stewart R, Senapati T, Rantanen LM, Wasielewska JM, Lee S, Hernández D, McInnes L, Quek H, Pébay A, Donnelly PS, White AR, Oikari LE. Differential Cytokine Responses of APOE3 and APOE4 Blood-brain Barrier Cell Types to SARS-CoV-2 Spike Proteins. J Neuroimmune Pharmacol 2024; 19:22. [PMID: 38771543 DOI: 10.1007/s11481-024-10127-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins have been shown to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) in mice and affect the integrity of human BBB cell models. However, the effects of SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins in relation to sporadic, late onset, Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk have not been extensively investigated. Here we characterized the individual and combined effects of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein subunits S1 RBD, S1 and S2 on BBB cell types (induced brain endothelial-like cells (iBECs) and astrocytes (iAstrocytes)) generated from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) harboring low (APOE3 carrier) or high (APOE4 carrier) relative Alzheimer's risk. We found that treatment with spike proteins did not alter iBEC integrity, although they induced the expression of several inflammatory cytokines. iAstrocytes exhibited a robust inflammatory response to SARS-CoV-2 spike protein treatment, with differences found in the levels of cytokine secretion between spike protein-treated APOE3 and APOE4 iAstrocytes. Finally, we tested the effects of potentially anti-inflammatory drugs during SARS-CoV-2 spike protein exposure in iAstrocytes, and discovered different responses between spike protein treated APOE4 iAstrocytes and APOE3 iAstrocytes, specifically in relation to IL-6, IL-8 and CCL2 secretion. Overall, our results indicate that APOE3 and APOE4 iAstrocytes respond differently to anti-inflammatory drug treatment during SARS-CoV-2 spike protein exposure with potential implications to therapeutic responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana C S Chaves
- Mental Health and Neuroscience Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane (QLD), Australia
- Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane (QLD), Australia
| | - Laura A Milton
- Mental Health and Neuroscience Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane (QLD), Australia
| | - Romal Stewart
- Mental Health and Neuroscience Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane (QLD), Australia
| | | | - Laura M Rantanen
- Mental Health and Neuroscience Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane (QLD), Australia
- Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane (QLD), Australia
| | - Joanna M Wasielewska
- Mental Health and Neuroscience Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane (QLD), Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane (QLD), Australia
| | - Serine Lee
- Mental Health and Neuroscience Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane (QLD), Australia
| | - Damián Hernández
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville (VIC), Australia
| | - Lachlan McInnes
- School of Chemistry, Bio21 Institute for Molecular Science and Biotechnology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville (VIC), Australia
| | - Hazel Quek
- Mental Health and Neuroscience Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane (QLD), Australia
- Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane (QLD), Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane (QLD), Australia
| | - Alice Pébay
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville (VIC), Australia
- Department of Surgery, Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Parkville (VIC), Australia
| | - Paul S Donnelly
- School of Chemistry, Bio21 Institute for Molecular Science and Biotechnology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville (VIC), Australia
| | - Anthony R White
- Mental Health and Neuroscience Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane (QLD), Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane (QLD), Australia
| | - Lotta E Oikari
- Mental Health and Neuroscience Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane (QLD), Australia.
- Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane (QLD), Australia.
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Cárdenas-Rodríguez N, Ignacio-Mejía I, Correa-Basurto J, Carrasco-Vargas H, Vargas-Hernández MA, Albores-Méndez EM, Mayen-Quinto RD, De La Paz-Valente R, Bandala C. Possible Role of Cannabis in the Management of Neuroinflammation in Patients with Post-COVID Condition. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3805. [PMID: 38612615 PMCID: PMC11012123 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The post-COVID condition (PCC) is a pathology stemming from COVID-19, and studying its pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment is crucial. Neuroinflammation causes the most common manifestations of this disease including headaches, fatigue, insomnia, depression, anxiety, among others. Currently, there are no specific management proposals; however, given that the inflammatory component involves cytokines and free radicals, these conditions must be treated to reduce the current symptoms and provide neuroprotection to reduce the risk of a long-term neurodegenerative disease. It has been shown that cannabis has compounds with immunomodulatory and antioxidant functions in other pathologies. Therefore, exploring this approach could provide a viable therapeutic option for PCC, which is the purpose of this review. This review involved an exhaustive search in specialized databases including PubMed, PubChem, ProQuest, EBSCO, Scopus, Science Direct, Web of Science, and Clinical Trials. Phytocannabinoids, including cannabidiol (CBD), cannabigerol (CBG), and Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), exhibit significant antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties and have been shown to be an effective treatment for neuroinflammatory conditions. These compounds could be promising adjuvants for PCC alone or in combination with other antioxidants or therapies. PCC presents significant challenges to neurological health, and neuroinflammation and oxidative stress play central roles in its pathogenesis. Antioxidant therapy and cannabinoid-based approaches represent promising areas of research and treatment for mitigating adverse effects, but further studies are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Iván Ignacio-Mejía
- Laboratorio de Medicina Traslacional, Escuela Militar de Graduados de Sanidad, UDEFA, Mexico City 11200, Mexico;
| | - Jose Correa-Basurto
- Laboratorio de Diseño y Desarrollo de Nuevos Fármacos e Innovación Biotecnológica, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City 11340, Mexico;
| | | | - Marco Antonio Vargas-Hernández
- Subdirección de Investigación, Escuela Militar de Graduados en Sanidad, UDEFA, Mexico City 11200, Mexico; (M.A.V.-H.); (E.M.A.-M.)
| | - Exal Manuel Albores-Méndez
- Subdirección de Investigación, Escuela Militar de Graduados en Sanidad, UDEFA, Mexico City 11200, Mexico; (M.A.V.-H.); (E.M.A.-M.)
| | | | - Reynita De La Paz-Valente
- Laboratorio de Medicina Traslacional Aplicada a Neurociencias, Enfermedades Crónicas y Emergentes, Escuela superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City 11340, Mexico;
| | - Cindy Bandala
- Laboratorio de Medicina Traslacional Aplicada a Neurociencias, Enfermedades Crónicas y Emergentes, Escuela superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City 11340, Mexico;
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3
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Igyártó BZ, Qin Z. The mRNA-LNP vaccines - the good, the bad and the ugly? Front Immunol 2024; 15:1336906. [PMID: 38390323 PMCID: PMC10883065 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1336906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The mRNA-LNP vaccine has received much attention during the COVID-19 pandemic since it served as the basis of the most widely used SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in Western countries. Based on early clinical trial data, these vaccines were deemed safe and effective for all demographics. However, the latest data raise serious concerns about the safety and effectiveness of these vaccines. Here, we review some of the safety and efficacy concerns identified to date. We also discuss the potential mechanism of observed adverse events related to the use of these vaccines and whether they can be mitigated by alterations of this vaccine mechanism approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Botond Z. Igyártó
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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Perico L, Benigni A, Remuzzi G. SARS-CoV-2 and the spike protein in endotheliopathy. Trends Microbiol 2024; 32:53-67. [PMID: 37393180 PMCID: PMC10258582 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2023.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of COVID-19, primarily affects the epithelial compartment in the upper and lower airways. There is evidence that the microvasculature in both the pulmonary and extrapulmonary systems is a major target of SARS-CoV-2. Consistent with this, vascular dysfunction and thrombosis are the most severe complications in COVID-19. The proinflammatory milieu triggered by the hyperactivation of the immune system by SARS-CoV-2 has been suggested to be the main trigger for endothelial dysfunction during COVID-19. More recently, a rapidly growing number of reports have indicated that SARS-CoV-2 can interact directly with endothelial cells through the spike protein, leading to multiple instances of endothelial dysfunction. Here, we describe all the available findings showing the direct effect of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein on endothelial cells and offer mechanistic insights into the molecular basis of vascular dysfunction in severe COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Perico
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Centro Anna Maria Astori, Bergamo, Italy.
| | - Ariela Benigni
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Centro Anna Maria Astori, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Remuzzi
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Centro Anna Maria Astori, Bergamo, Italy
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Ganesh R, Yadav S, Hurt RT, Mueller MR, Aakre CA, Gilman EA, Grach SL, Overgaard J, Snyder MR, Collins NM, Croghan IT, Badley AD, Razonable RR, Salonen BR. Pro Inflammatory Cytokines Profiles of Patients With Long COVID Differ Between Variant Epochs. J Prim Care Community Health 2024; 15:21501319241254751. [PMID: 38808863 DOI: 10.1177/21501319241254751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Over 30% of patients with COVID-19 have persistent symptoms that last beyond 30 days and referred to as Long COVID. Long COVID has been associated with a persistent elevation in peripheral cytokines including interleukin-6, interleukin-1β, and tumor necrosis factor-α. This study reports cytokine profiles of patients in our clinic across SARS-COV-2 variant epochs. METHODS The clinical cytokine panel was analyzed in patients with Long COVID during periods that were stratified according to variant epoch. The 4 variant epochs were defined as: (1) wild-type through alpha, (2) alpha/beta/gamma, (3) delta, and (4) omicron variants. RESULTS A total of 390 patients had the clinical cytokine panel performed; the median age was 48 years (IQR 38-59) and 62% were female. Distribution by variant was wild-type and alpha, 50% (n = 196); alpha/beta/gamma, 7.9% (n = 31); delta, 18% (n = 72); and omicron, 23% (n = 91). Time to cytokine panel testing was significantly longer for the earlier epochs. Tumor necrosis factor-α (P < .001) and interleukin 1β (P < .001) were significantly more elevated in the earlier epochs (median of 558 days in wild-type through Alpha epoch vs 263 days in omicron epoch, P < .001)). Nucleocapsid antibodies were consistently detected across epochs. DISCUSSION When stratified by variant epoch, patients with early epoch Long COVID had persistently elevated peripheral pro-inflammatory cytokine levels when compared to later epoch Long COVID. Patients with Long COVID have similar clusters of symptoms across epochs, suggesting that the underlying pathology is independent of the peripheral cytokine signature.
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6
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Kim J, Qiao F, Singh AK, Won J, Singh I. Efficacies of S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) and GSNO reductase inhibitor in SARS-CoV-2 spike protein induced acute lung disease in mice. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1304697. [PMID: 38143504 PMCID: PMC10748393 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1304697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which initially surfaced in late 2019, often triggers severe pulmonary complications, encompassing various disease mechanisms such as intense lung inflammation, vascular dysfunction, and pulmonary embolism. Currently, however, there's no drug addressing all these mechanisms simultaneously. This study explored the multi-targeting potential of S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) and N6022, an inhibitor of GSNO reductase (GSNOR) on markers of inflammatory, vascular, and thrombotic diseases related to COVID-19-induced acute lung disease. For this, acute lung disease was induced in C57BL/6 mice through intranasal administration of recombinant SARS-CoV-2 spike protein S1 domain (SP-S1). The mice exhibited fever, body weight loss, and increased blood levels and lung expression of proinflammatory cytokines (e.g., TNF-α and IL-6) as well as increased vascular inflammation mediated by ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 and lung infiltration by immune cells (e.g., neutrophils, monocytes, and activated cytotoxic and helper T cells). Further, the mice exhibited increased lung hyperpermeability (lung Evans blue extravasation) leading to lung edema development as well as elevated blood coagulation factors (e.g., fibrinogen, thrombin, activated platelets, and von Willebrand factor) and lung fibrin deposition. Similar to the patients with COVID-19, male mice showed more severe disease than female mice, along with higher GSNOR expression in the lungs. Optimization of GSNO by treatment with exogenous GSNO or inhibition of GSNOR by N6022 (or GSNO knockout) protects against SP-S1-induced lung diseases in both genders. These findings provide evidence for the potential efficacies of GSNO and GSNOR inhibitors in addressing the multi-mechanistic nature of SARS-CoV-2 SP-associated acute-lung disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judong Kim
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Fei Qiao
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Avtar K. Singh
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service, Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Administration Medical Center, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Jeseong Won
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Inderjit Singh
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
- Research Service, Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Administration Medical Center, Charleston, SC, United States
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7
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Hulscher N, Procter BC, Wynn C, McCullough PA. Clinical Approach to Post-acute Sequelae After COVID-19 Infection and Vaccination. Cureus 2023; 15:e49204. [PMID: 38024037 PMCID: PMC10663976 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.49204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 has been found to exhibit pathogenic characteristics and be a possible cause of post-acute sequelae after SARS-CoV-2 infection or COVID-19 vaccination. COVID-19 vaccines utilize a modified, stabilized prefusion spike protein that may share similar toxic effects with its viral counterpart. The aim of this study is to investigate possible mechanisms of harm to biological systems from SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and vaccine-encoded spike protein and to propose possible mitigation strategies. We searched PubMed, Google Scholar, and 'grey literature' to find studies that (1) investigated the effects of the spike protein on biological systems, (2) helped differentiate between viral and vaccine-generated spike proteins, and (3) identified possible spike protein detoxification protocols and compounds that had signals of benefit and acceptable safety profiles. We found abundant evidence that SARS-CoV-2 spike protein may cause damage in the cardiovascular, hematological, neurological, respiratory, gastrointestinal, and immunological systems. Viral and vaccine-encoded spike proteins have been shown to play a direct role in cardiovascular and thrombotic injuries from both SARS-CoV-2 and vaccination. Detection of spike protein for at least 6-15 months after vaccination and infection in those with post-acute sequelae indicates spike protein as a possible primary contributing factor to long COVID. We rationalized that these findings give support to the potential benefit of spike protein detoxification protocols in those with long-term post-infection and/or vaccine-induced complications. We propose a base spike detoxification protocol, composed of oral nattokinase, bromelain, and curcumin. This approach holds immense promise as a base of clinical care, upon which additional therapeutic agents are applied with the goal of aiding in the resolution of post-acute sequelae after SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 vaccination. Large-scale, prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials are warranted in order to determine the relative risks and benefits of the base spike detoxification protocol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Hulscher
- Epidemiology, Unversity of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, USA
| | | | - Cade Wynn
- Family Medicine, McKinney Family Medicine, McKinney, USA
| | - Peter A McCullough
- Internal Medicine, Cardiology, McKinney Family Medicine, McKinney, USA
- Cardiology, Epidemiology, and Public Health, McCullough Foundation, Dallas, USA
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Pileggi CA, Parmar G, Elkhatib H, Stewart CM, Alecu I, Côté M, Bennett SA, Sandhu JK, Cuperlovic-Culf M, Harper ME. The SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein interacts with MAO-B and impairs mitochondrial energetics. CURRENT RESEARCH IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2023; 5:100112. [PMID: 38020812 PMCID: PMC10663135 DOI: 10.1016/j.crneur.2023.100112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with both acute and post-acute neurological symptoms. Emerging evidence suggests that SARS-CoV-2 can alter mitochondrial metabolism, suggesting that changes in brain metabolism may contribute to the development of acute and post-acute neurological complications. Monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) is a flavoenzyme located on the outer mitochondrial membrane that catalyzes the oxidative deamination of monoamine neurotransmitters. Computational analyses have revealed high similarity between the SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein receptor binding domain on the ACE2 receptor and MAO-B, leading to the hypothesis that SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein may alter neurotransmitter metabolism by interacting with MAO-B. Our results empirically establish that the SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein interacts with MAO-B, leading to increased MAO-B activity in SH-SY5Y neuron-like cells. Common to neurodegenerative disease pathophysiological mechanisms, we also demonstrate that the spike glycoprotein impairs mitochondrial bioenergetics, induces oxidative stress, and perturbs the degradation of depolarized aberrant mitochondria through mitophagy. Our findings also demonstrate that SH-SY5Y neuron-like cells expressing the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein were more susceptible to MPTP-induced necrosis, likely necroptosis. Together, these results reveal novel mechanisms that may contribute to SARS-CoV-2-induced neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chantal A. Pileggi
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada
- Ottawa Institute of Systems Biology, University of Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada
- National Research Council of Canada, Digital Technologies Research Centre, 1200 Montreal Road, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0R6, Canada
| | - Gaganvir Parmar
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada
- Ottawa Institute of Systems Biology, University of Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Hussein Elkhatib
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada
- Ottawa Institute of Systems Biology, University of Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Corina M. Stewart
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada
- Ottawa Institute of Systems Biology, University of Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada
- Current Address: Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Irina Alecu
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada
- Ottawa Institute of Systems Biology, University of Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada
- Neural Regeneration Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Marceline Côté
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada
- Ottawa Institute of Systems Biology, University of Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada
- Centre for Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Steffany A.L. Bennett
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada
- Ottawa Institute of Systems Biology, University of Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada
- Neural Regeneration Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Jagdeep K. Sandhu
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada
- Ottawa Institute of Systems Biology, University of Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada
- Centre for Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council Canada, 1200 Montreal Road, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0R6, Canada
| | - Miroslava Cuperlovic-Culf
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada
- Ottawa Institute of Systems Biology, University of Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada
- National Research Council of Canada, Digital Technologies Research Centre, 1200 Montreal Road, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0R6, Canada
| | - Mary-Ellen Harper
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada
- Ottawa Institute of Systems Biology, University of Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada
- Centre for Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada
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Parry PI, Lefringhausen A, Turni C, Neil CJ, Cosford R, Hudson NJ, Gillespie J. 'Spikeopathy': COVID-19 Spike Protein Is Pathogenic, from Both Virus and Vaccine mRNA. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2287. [PMID: 37626783 PMCID: PMC10452662 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11082287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic caused much illness, many deaths, and profound disruption to society. The production of 'safe and effective' vaccines was a key public health target. Sadly, unprecedented high rates of adverse events have overshadowed the benefits. This two-part narrative review presents evidence for the widespread harms of novel product COVID-19 mRNA and adenovectorDNA vaccines and is novel in attempting to provide a thorough overview of harms arising from the new technology in vaccines that relied on human cells producing a foreign antigen that has evidence of pathogenicity. This first paper explores peer-reviewed data counter to the 'safe and effective' narrative attached to these new technologies. Spike protein pathogenicity, termed 'spikeopathy', whether from the SARS-CoV-2 virus or produced by vaccine gene codes, akin to a 'synthetic virus', is increasingly understood in terms of molecular biology and pathophysiology. Pharmacokinetic transfection through body tissues distant from the injection site by lipid-nanoparticles or viral-vector carriers means that 'spikeopathy' can affect many organs. The inflammatory properties of the nanoparticles used to ferry mRNA; N1-methylpseudouridine employed to prolong synthetic mRNA function; the widespread biodistribution of the mRNA and DNA codes and translated spike proteins, and autoimmunity via human production of foreign proteins, contribute to harmful effects. This paper reviews autoimmune, cardiovascular, neurological, potential oncological effects, and autopsy evidence for spikeopathy. With many gene-based therapeutic technologies planned, a re-evaluation is necessary and timely.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter I. Parry
- Children’s Health Research Clinical Unit, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, South Brisbane, QLD 4101, Australia
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia
| | - Astrid Lefringhausen
- Children’s Health Defence (Australia Chapter), Huskisson, NSW 2540, Australia; (A.L.); (R.C.); (J.G.)
| | - Conny Turni
- Microbiology Research, QAAFI (Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation), The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia;
| | - Christopher J. Neil
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia;
| | - Robyn Cosford
- Children’s Health Defence (Australia Chapter), Huskisson, NSW 2540, Australia; (A.L.); (R.C.); (J.G.)
| | - Nicholas J. Hudson
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia;
| | - Julian Gillespie
- Children’s Health Defence (Australia Chapter), Huskisson, NSW 2540, Australia; (A.L.); (R.C.); (J.G.)
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10
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Perico L, Morigi M, Pezzotta A, Locatelli M, Imberti B, Corna D, Cerullo D, Benigni A, Remuzzi G. SARS-CoV-2 spike protein induces lung endothelial cell dysfunction and thrombo-inflammation depending on the C3a/C3a receptor signalling. Sci Rep 2023; 13:11392. [PMID: 37452090 PMCID: PMC10349115 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-38382-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The spike protein of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) can interact with endothelial cells. However, no studies demonstrated the direct effect of the spike protein subunit 1 (S1) in inducing lung vascular damage and the potential mechanisms contributing to lung injury. Here, we found that S1 injection in mice transgenic for human angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) induced early loss of lung endothelial thromboresistance at 3 days, as revealed by thrombomodulin loss and von Willebrand factor (vWF) increase. In parallel, vascular and epithelial C3 deposits and enhanced C3a receptor (C3aR) expression were observed. These changes preceded diffuse alveolar damage and lung vascular fibrin(ogen)/platelets aggregates at 7 days, as well as inflammatory cell recruitment and fibrosis. Treatment with C3aR antagonist (C3aRa) inhibited lung C3 accumulation and C3a/C3aR activation, limiting vascular thrombo-inflammation and fibrosis. Our study demonstrates that S1 triggers vascular dysfunction and activates complement system, instrumental to lung thrombo-inflammatory injury. By extension, our data indicate C3aRa as a valuable therapeutic strategy to limit S1-dependent lung pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Perico
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy.
| | - Marina Morigi
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Anna Pezzotta
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Monica Locatelli
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Barbara Imberti
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Daniela Corna
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Domenico Cerullo
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Ariela Benigni
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Remuzzi
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
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11
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Altman NL, Berning AA, Mann SC, Quaife RA, Gill EA, Auerbach SR, Campbell TB, Bristow MR. Vaccination-Associated Myocarditis and Myocardial Injury. Circ Res 2023; 132:1338-1357. [PMID: 37167355 PMCID: PMC10171307 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.122.321881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 vaccine-associated myocarditis/myocardial injury should be evaluated in the contexts of COVID-19 infection, other types of viral myocarditis, and other vaccine-associated cardiac disorders. COVID-19 vaccine-associated myocardial injury can be caused by an inflammatory immune cell infiltrate, but other etiologies such as microvascular thrombosis are also possible. The clinical diagnosis is typically based on symptoms and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. Endomyocardial biopsy is confirmatory for myocarditis, but may not show an inflammatory infiltrate because of rapid resolution or a non-inflammatory etiology. Myocarditis associated with SARS-COVID-19 vaccines occurs primarily with mRNA platform vaccines, which are also the most effective. In persons aged >16 or >12 years the myocarditis estimated crude incidences after the first 2 doses of BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273 are approximately 1.9 and 3.5 per 100 000 individuals, respectively. These rates equate to excess incidences above control populations of approximately 1.2 (BNT162b2) and 1.9 (mRNA-1273) per 100 000 persons, which are lower than the myocarditis rate for smallpox but higher than that for influenza vaccines. In the studies that have included mRNA vaccine and SARS-COVID-19 myocarditis measured by the same methodology, the incidence rate was increased by 3.5-fold over control in COVID-19 compared with 1.5-fold for BNT162b2 and 6.2-fold for mRNA-1273. However, mortality and major morbidity are less and recovery is faster with mRNA vaccine-associated myocarditis compared to COVID-19 infection. The reasons for this include vaccine-associated myocarditis having a higher incidence in young adults and adolescents, typically no involvement of other organs in vaccine-associated myocarditis, and based on comparisons to non-COVID viral myocarditis an inherently more benign clinical course.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha L. Altman
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine (N.L.A., R.A.Q., E.A.G., M.R.B.), University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora
| | - Amber A. Berning
- Department of Pathology (A.A.B.), University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora
| | - Sarah C. Mann
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine (S.C.M., T.B.C.), University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora
| | - Robert A. Quaife
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine (N.L.A., R.A.Q., E.A.G., M.R.B.), University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora
| | - Edward A. Gill
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine (N.L.A., R.A.Q., E.A.G., M.R.B.), University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora
| | - Scott R. Auerbach
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics (S.R.A.), University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora
| | - Thomas B. Campbell
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine (S.C.M., T.B.C.), University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora
| | - Michael R. Bristow
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine (N.L.A., R.A.Q., E.A.G., M.R.B.), University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora
- Research and Development Department, ARCA Biopharma, CO (M.R.B.)
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12
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Malekpour M, Khanmohammadi S, Meybodi MJE, Shekouh D, Rahmanian MR, Kardeh S, Azarpira N. COVID-19 as a trigger of Guillain-Barré syndrome: A review of the molecular mechanism. Immun Inflamm Dis 2023; 11:e875. [PMID: 37249286 DOI: 10.1002/iid3.875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) caused a pandemic with serious complications. After coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), several post-acute COVID-19 syndromes (PACSs) and long-COVID sequels were reported. PACSs involve many organs, including the nervous, gustatory, and immune systems. One of the PACSs after SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination is Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). The incidence rate of GBS after SARS-CoV-2 infection or vaccination is low. However, the high prevalence of COVID-19 and severe complications of GBS, for example, autonomic dysfunction and respiratory failure, highlight the importance of post-COVID-19 GBS. It is while patients with simultaneous COVID-19 and GBS seem to have higher admission rates to the intensive care unit, and demyelination is more aggressive in post-COVID-19 GBS patients. SARS-CoV-2 can trigger GBS via several pathways like direct neurotropism and neurovirulence, microvascular dysfunction and oxidative stress, immune system disruption, molecular mimicry, and autoantibody production. Although there are few molecular studies on the molecular and cellular mechanisms of GBS occurrence after SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination, we aimed to discuss the possible pathomechanism of post-COVID-19 GBS by gathering the most recent molecular evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahdi Malekpour
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Transplant Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Shaghayegh Khanmohammadi
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
- Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Javad Entezari Meybodi
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Transplant Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Dorsa Shekouh
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Rahmanian
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Transplant Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Sina Kardeh
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Negar Azarpira
- Transplant Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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13
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Fontes-Dantas FL, Fernandes GG, Gutman EG, De Lima EV, Antonio LS, Hammerle MB, Mota-Araujo HP, Colodeti LC, Araújo SM, Froz GM, da Silva TN, Duarte LA, Salvio AL, Pires KL, Leon LA, Vasconcelos CCF, Romão L, Savio LEB, Silva JL, da Costa R, Clarke JR, Da Poian AT, Alves-Leon SV, Passos GF, Figueiredo CP. SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein induces TLR4-mediated long-term cognitive dysfunction recapitulating post-COVID-19 syndrome in mice. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112189. [PMID: 36857178 PMCID: PMC9935273 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Cognitive dysfunction is often reported in patients with post-coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) syndrome, but its underlying mechanisms are not completely understood. Evidence suggests that severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Spike protein or its fragments are released from cells during infection, reaching different tissues, including the CNS, irrespective of the presence of the viral RNA. Here, we demonstrate that brain infusion of Spike protein in mice has a late impact on cognitive function, recapitulating post-COVID-19 syndrome. We also show that neuroinflammation and hippocampal microgliosis mediate Spike-induced memory dysfunction via complement-dependent engulfment of synapses. Genetic or pharmacological blockage of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling protects animals against synapse elimination and memory dysfunction induced by Spike brain infusion. Accordingly, in a cohort of 86 patients who recovered from mild COVID-19, the genotype GG TLR4-2604G>A (rs10759931) is associated with poor cognitive outcome. These results identify TLR4 as a key target to investigate the long-term cognitive dysfunction after COVID-19 infection in humans and rodents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabricia L. Fontes-Dantas
- School of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil,Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biology, Rio de Janeiro State University, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Gabriel G. Fernandes
- School of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Elisa G. Gutman
- Translational Neuroscience Laboratory (LabNet), Post-Graduate Program in Neurology, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro State, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil,Clinical Medicine Post-graduation Program, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Emanuelle V. De Lima
- School of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Leticia S. Antonio
- School of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Mariana B. Hammerle
- Clinical Medicine Post-graduation Program, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Hannah P. Mota-Araujo
- School of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Lilian C. Colodeti
- School of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Suzana M.B. Araújo
- School of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Gabrielle M. Froz
- School of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Talita N. da Silva
- School of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Larissa A. Duarte
- Translational Neuroscience Laboratory (LabNet), Post-Graduate Program in Neurology, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro State, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil,Clinical Medicine Post-graduation Program, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Andreza L. Salvio
- Translational Neuroscience Laboratory (LabNet), Post-Graduate Program in Neurology, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro State, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Karina L. Pires
- Neurology Department, Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro (UNIRIO), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Luciane A.A. Leon
- Laboratório de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico em Virologia, IOC/FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | | | - Luciana Romão
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Luiz Eduardo B. Savio
- Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Jerson L. Silva
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Robson da Costa
- School of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Julia R. Clarke
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Andrea T. Da Poian
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil,Corresponding author
| | - Soniza V. Alves-Leon
- Translational Neuroscience Laboratory (LabNet), Post-Graduate Program in Neurology, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro State, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil,Division of Neurology, Hospital Clementino Fraga Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil,Corresponding author
| | - Giselle F. Passos
- School of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil,Corresponding author
| | - Claudia P. Figueiredo
- School of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil,Corresponding author
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14
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The role of the blood-brain barrier during neurological disease and infection. Biochem Soc Trans 2023; 51:613-626. [PMID: 36929707 DOI: 10.1042/bst20220830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
A healthy brain is protected by the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which is formed by the endothelial cells that line brain capillaries. The BBB plays an extremely important role in supporting normal neuronal function by maintaining the homeostasis of the brain microenvironment and restricting pathogen and toxin entry to the brain. Dysfunction of this highly complex and regulated structure can be life threatening. BBB dysfunction is implicated in many neurological diseases such as stroke, Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, and brain infections. Among other mechanisms, inflammation and/or flow disturbances are major causes of BBB dysfunction in neurological infections and diseases. In particular, in ischaemic stroke, both inflammation and flow disturbances contribute to BBB disruption, leading to devastating consequences. While a transient or minor disruption to the barrier function could be tolerated, chronic or a total breach of the barrier can result in irreversible brain damage. It is worth noting that timing and extent of BBB disruption play an important role in the process of any repair of brain damage and treatment strategies. This review evaluates and summarises some of the latest research on the role of the BBB during neurological disease and infection with a focus on the effects of inflammation and flow disturbances on the BBB. The BBB's crucial role in protecting the brain is also the bottleneck in central nervous system drug development. Therefore, innovative strategies to carry therapeutics across the BBB and novel models to screen drugs, and to study the complex, overlapping mechanisms of BBB disruption are urgently needed.
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15
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Spike Protein Impairs Mitochondrial Function in Human Cardiomyocytes: Mechanisms Underlying Cardiac Injury in COVID-19. Cells 2023; 12:cells12060877. [PMID: 36980218 PMCID: PMC10046940 DOI: 10.3390/cells12060877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: COVID-19 has a major impact on cardiovascular diseases and may lead to myocarditis or cardiac failure. The clove-like spike (S) protein of SARS-CoV-2 facilitates its transmission and pathogenesis. Cardiac mitochondria produce energy for key heart functions. We hypothesized that S1 would directly impair the functions of cardiomyocyte mitochondria, thus causing cardiac dysfunction. Methods: Through the Seahorse Mito Stress Test and real-time ATP rate assays, we explored the mitochondrial bioenergetics in human cardiomyocytes (AC16). The cells were treated without (control) or with S1 (1 nM) for 24, 48, and 72 h and we observed the mitochondrial morphology using transmission electron microscopy and confocal fluorescence microscopy. Western blotting, XRhod-1, and MitoSOX Red staining were performed to evaluate the expression of proteins related to energetic metabolism and relevant signaling cascades, mitochondrial Ca2+ levels, and ROS production. Results: The 24 h S1 treatment increased ATP production and mitochondrial respiration by increasing the expression of fatty-acid-transporting regulators and inducing more negative mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm). The 72 h S1 treatment decreased mitochondrial respiration rates and Δψm, but increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), mCa2+, and intracellular Ca2+. Electron microscopy revealed increased mitochondrial fragmentation/fission in AC16 cells treated for 72 h. The effects of S1 on ATP production were completely blocked by neutralizing ACE2 but not CD147 antibodies, and were partly attenuated by Mitotempo (1 µM). Conclusion: S1 might impair mitochondrial function in human cardiomyocytes by altering Δψm, mCa2+ overload, ROS accumulation, and mitochondrial dynamics via ACE2.
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16
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Erickson MA, Logsdon AF, Rhea EM, Hansen KM, Holden SJ, Banks WA, Smith JL, German C, Farr SA, Morley JE, Weaver RR, Hirsch AJ, Kovac A, Kontsekova E, Baumann KK, Omer MA, Raber J. Blood-brain barrier penetration of non-replicating SARS-CoV-2 and S1 variants of concern induce neuroinflammation which is accentuated in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. Brain Behav Immun 2023; 109:251-268. [PMID: 36682515 PMCID: PMC9867649 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2023.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 and especially Long COVID are associated with severe CNS symptoms and may place persons at risk to develop long-term cognitive impairments. Here, we show that two non-infective models of SARS-CoV-2 can cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and induce neuroinflammation, a major mechanism underpinning CNS and cognitive impairments, even in the absence of productive infection. The viral models cross the BBB by the mechanism of adsorptive transcytosis with the sugar N-acetylglucosamine being key. The delta and omicron variants cross the BB B faster than the other variants of concern, with peripheral tissue uptake rates also differing for the variants. Neuroinflammation induced by icv injection of S1 protein was greatly enhanced in young and especially in aged SAMP8 mice, a model of Alzheimer's disease, whereas sex and obesity had little effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle A Erickson
- Geriatrics Research Educational and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, USA; Division of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Aric F Logsdon
- Geriatrics Research Educational and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, USA; Division of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Elizabeth M Rhea
- Geriatrics Research Educational and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, USA; Division of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Kim M Hansen
- Geriatrics Research Educational and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Sarah J Holden
- Department of Behavioral Neurosciences, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - William A Banks
- Geriatrics Research Educational and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, USA; Division of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Jessica L Smith
- The Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute, Oregon Health and Sciences University, Beaverton, OR, USA; Division of Pathobiology and Immunology Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Sciences University, Beaverton, OR, USA
| | - Cody German
- The Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute, Oregon Health and Sciences University, Beaverton, OR, USA; Division of Pathobiology and Immunology Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Sciences University, Beaverton, OR, USA
| | - Susan A Farr
- Saint Louis Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Research Service, St. Louis, MO, USA; Division of Geriatric Medicine, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - John E Morley
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Riley R Weaver
- Geriatrics Research Educational and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Alec J Hirsch
- The Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute, Oregon Health and Sciences University, Beaverton, OR, USA; Division of Pathobiology and Immunology Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Sciences University, Beaverton, OR, USA
| | - Andrej Kovac
- Institute of Neuroimmunology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Eva Kontsekova
- Institute of Neuroimmunology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Kristen K Baumann
- Geriatrics Research Educational and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Mohamed A Omer
- Geriatrics Research Educational and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jacob Raber
- Department of Behavioral Neurosciences, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA; Department of Neurology, Psychiatry, and Radiation Medicine, Division of Neuroscience, Departments of Neurology and Radiation Medicine, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland, OR, USA
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17
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Theoharides TC, Kempuraj D. Role of SARS-CoV-2 Spike-Protein-Induced Activation of Microglia and Mast Cells in the Pathogenesis of Neuro-COVID. Cells 2023; 12:688. [PMID: 36899824 PMCID: PMC10001285 DOI: 10.3390/cells12050688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). About 45% of COVID-19 patients experience several symptoms a few months after the initial infection and develop post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC), referred to as "Long-COVID," characterized by persistent physical and mental fatigue. However, the exact pathogenetic mechanisms affecting the brain are still not well-understood. There is increasing evidence of neurovascular inflammation in the brain. However, the precise role of the neuroinflammatory response that contributes to the disease severity of COVID-19 and long COVID pathogenesis is not clearly understood. Here, we review the reports that the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein can cause blood-brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction and damage neurons either directly, or via activation of brain mast cells and microglia and the release of various neuroinflammatory molecules. Moreover, we provide recent evidence that the novel flavanol eriodictyol is particularly suited for development as an effective treatment alone or together with oleuropein and sulforaphane (ViralProtek®), all of which have potent anti-viral and anti-inflammatory actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theoharis C. Theoharides
- Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33328, USA
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunopharmacology and Drug Discovery, Department of Immunology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02111, USA
| | - Duraisamy Kempuraj
- Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33328, USA
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18
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Bellavite P, Ferraresi A, Isidoro C. Immune Response and Molecular Mechanisms of Cardiovascular Adverse Effects of Spike Proteins from SARS-CoV-2 and mRNA Vaccines. Biomedicines 2023; 11:451. [PMID: 36830987 PMCID: PMC9953067 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11020451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus responsible for the COVID-19 disease) uses the Spike proteins of its envelope for infecting target cells expressing on the membrane the angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) enzyme that acts as a receptor. To control the pandemic, genetically engineered vaccines have been designed for inducing neutralizing antibodies against the Spike proteins. These vaccines do not act like traditional protein-based vaccines, as they deliver the message in the form of mRNA or DNA to host cells that then produce and expose the Spike protein on the membrane (from which it can be shed in soluble form) to alert the immune system. Mass vaccination has brought to light various adverse effects associated with these genetically based vaccines, mainly affecting the circulatory and cardiovascular system. ACE2 is present as membrane-bound on several cell types, including the mucosa of the upper respiratory and of the gastrointestinal tracts, the endothelium, the platelets, and in soluble form in the plasma. The ACE2 enzyme converts the vasoconstrictor angiotensin II into peptides with vasodilator properties. Here we review the pathways for immunization and the molecular mechanisms through which the Spike protein, either from SARS-CoV-2 or encoded by the mRNA-based vaccines, interferes with the Renin-Angiotensin-System governed by ACE2, thus altering the homeostasis of the circulation and of the cardiovascular system. Understanding the molecular interactions of the Spike protein with ACE2 and the consequent impact on cardiovascular system homeostasis will direct the diagnosis and therapy of the vaccine-related adverse effects and provide information for development of a personalized vaccination that considers pathophysiological conditions predisposing to such adverse events.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alessandra Ferraresi
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Department of Health Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Ciro Isidoro
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Department of Health Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy
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19
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Frasca L, Ocone G, Palazzo R. Safety of COVID-19 Vaccines in Patients with Autoimmune Diseases, in Patients with Cardiac Issues, and in the Healthy Population. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12020233. [PMID: 36839505 PMCID: PMC9964607 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12020233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been a challenge for the whole world since the beginning of 2020, and COVID-19 vaccines were considered crucial for disease eradication. Instead of producing classic vaccines, some companies pointed to develop products that mainly function by inducing, into the host, the production of the antigenic protein of SARS-CoV-2 called Spike, injecting an instruction based on RNA or a DNA sequence. Here, we aim to give an overview of the safety profile and the actual known adverse effects of these products in relationship with their mechanism of action. We discuss the use and safety of these products in at-risk people, especially those with autoimmune diseases or with previously reported myocarditis, but also in the general population. We debate the real necessity of administering these products with unclear long-term effects to at-risk people with autoimmune conditions, as well as to healthy people, at the time of omicron variants. This, considering the existence of therapeutic interventions, much more clearly assessed at present compared to the past, and the relatively lower aggressive nature of the new viral variants.
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20
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COVID-19 Vaccination and Alcohol Consumption: Justification of Risks. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12020163. [PMID: 36839435 PMCID: PMC9967163 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12020163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the beginning of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic, pharmaceutical companies and research institutions have been actively working to develop vaccines, and the mass roll-out of vaccinations against COVID-19 began in January 2021. At the same time, during lockdowns, the consumption of alcoholic beverages increased. During the peak of vaccination, consumption remained at high levels around the world, despite the gradual relaxation of quarantine restrictions. Two of the popular queries on search engines were whether it is safe to drink alcohol after vaccination and whether this will affect the effectiveness of vaccines. Over the past two years, many studies have been published suggesting that excessive drinking not only worsens the course of an acute respiratory distress syndrome caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus but can also exacerbate post-COVID-19 syndrome. Despite all sorts of online speculation, there is no specific scientific data on alcohol-induced complications after vaccination in the literature. Most of the published vaccine clinical trials do not include groups of patients with a history of alcohol-use disorders. This review analyzed the well-known and new mechanisms of action of COVID-19 vaccines on the immune system and the effects of alcohol and its metabolites on these mechanisms.
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21
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Convergent Evolution Dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 and HIV Surface Envelope Glycoproteins Driven by Host Cell Surface Receptors and Lipid Rafts: Lessons for the Future. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24031923. [PMID: 36768244 PMCID: PMC9915253 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24031923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Although very different, in terms of their genomic organization, their enzymatic proteins, and their structural proteins, HIV and SARS-CoV-2 have an extraordinary evolutionary potential in common. Faced with various selection pressures that may be generated by treatments or immune responses, these RNA viruses demonstrate very high adaptive capacities, which result in the continuous emergence of variants and quasi-species. In this retrospective analysis of viral proteins, ensuring the adhesion of these viruses to the plasma membrane of host cells, we highlight many common points that suggest the convergent mechanisms of evolution. HIV and SARS-CoV-2 first recognize a lipid raft microdomain that acts as a landing strip for viral particles on the host cell surface. In the case of mucosal cells, which are the primary targets of both viruses, these microdomains are enriched in anionic glycolipids (gangliosides) forming a global electronegative field. Both viruses use lipid rafts to surf on the cell surface in search of a protein receptor able to trigger the fusion process. This implies that viral envelope proteins are both geometrically and electrically compatible to the biomolecules they select to invade host cells. In the present study, we identify the surface electrostatic potential as a critical parameter controlling the convergent evolution dynamics of HIV-1 and SARS-CoV-2 surface envelope proteins, and we discuss the impact of this parameter on the phenotypic properties of both viruses. The virological data accumulated since the emergence of HIV in the early 1980s should help us to face present and future virus pandemics.
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22
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Nunn AVW, Guy GW, Brysch W, Bell JD. Understanding Long COVID; Mitochondrial Health and Adaptation-Old Pathways, New Problems. Biomedicines 2022; 10:3113. [PMID: 36551869 PMCID: PMC9775339 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10123113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Many people infected with the SARS-CoV-2 suffer long-term symptoms, such as "brain fog", fatigue and clotting problems. Explanations for "long COVID" include immune imbalance, incomplete viral clearance and potentially, mitochondrial dysfunction. As conditions with sub-optimal mitochondrial function are associated with initial severity of the disease, their prior health could be key in resistance to long COVID and recovery. The SARs virus redirects host metabolism towards replication; in response, the host can metabolically react to control the virus. Resolution is normally achieved after viral clearance as the initial stress activates a hormetic negative feedback mechanism. It is therefore possible that, in some individuals with prior sub-optimal mitochondrial function, the virus can "tip" the host into a chronic inflammatory cycle. This might explain the main symptoms, including platelet dysfunction. Long COVID could thus be described as a virally induced chronic and self-perpetuating metabolically imbalanced non-resolving state characterised by mitochondrial dysfunction, where reactive oxygen species continually drive inflammation and a shift towards glycolysis. This would suggest that a sufferer's metabolism needs to be "tipped" back using a stimulus, such as physical activity, calorie restriction, or chemical compounds that mimic these by enhancing mitochondrial function, perhaps in combination with inhibitors that quell the inflammatory response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alistair V. W. Nunn
- Research Centre for Optimal Health, Department of Life Sciences, University of Westminster, London W1W 6UW, UK
| | - Geoffrey W. Guy
- The Guy Foundation, Chedington Court, Beaminster, Dorset DT8 3HY, UK
| | | | - Jimmy D. Bell
- Research Centre for Optimal Health, Department of Life Sciences, University of Westminster, London W1W 6UW, UK
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23
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Suprewicz Ł, Tran KA, Piktel E, Fiedoruk K, Janmey PA, Galie PA, Bucki R. Recombinant human plasma gelsolin reverses increased permeability of the blood-brain barrier induced by the spike protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. J Neuroinflammation 2022; 19:282. [PMID: 36434734 PMCID: PMC9694610 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-022-02642-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Plasma gelsolin (pGSN) is an important part of the blood actin buffer that prevents negative consequences of possible F-actin deposition in the microcirculation and has various functions during host immune response. Recent reports reveal that severe COVID-19 correlates with reduced levels of pGSN. Therefore, using an in vitro system, we investigated whether pGSN could attenuate increased permeability of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) during its exposure to the portion of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein containing the receptor binding domain (S1 subunit). MATERIALS AND METHODS Two- and three-dimensional models of the human BBB were constructed using the human cerebral microvascular endothelial cell line hCMEC/D3 and exposed to physiologically relevant shear stress to mimic perfusion in the central nervous system (CNS). Trans-endothelial electrical resistance (TEER) as well as immunostaining and Western blotting of tight junction (TJ) proteins assessed barrier integrity in the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and pGSN. The IncuCyte Live Imaging system evaluated the motility of the endothelial cells. Magnetic bead-based ELISA was used to determine cytokine secretion. Additionally, quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) revealed gene expression of proteins from signaling pathways that are associated with the immune response. RESULTS pGSN reversed S1-induced BBB permeability in both 2D and 3D BBB models in the presence of shear stress. BBB models exposed to pGSN also exhibited attenuated pro-inflammatory signaling pathways (PI3K, AKT, MAPK, NF-κB), reduced cytokine secretion (IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α), and increased expression of proteins that form intercellular TJ (ZO-1, occludin, claudin-5). CONCLUSION Due to its anti-inflammatory and protective effects on the brain endothelium, pGSN has the potential to be an alternative therapeutic target for patients with severe SARS-CoV-2 infection, especially those suffering neurological complications of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Łukasz Suprewicz
- grid.48324.390000000122482838Department of Medical Microbiology and Nanobiomedical Engineering, Medical University of Białystok, Mickiewicza 2C, 15-222 Białystok, Poland
| | - Kiet A. Tran
- grid.262671.60000 0000 8828 4546Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ 08028 USA
| | - Ewelina Piktel
- grid.48324.390000000122482838Department of Medical Microbiology and Nanobiomedical Engineering, Medical University of Białystok, Mickiewicza 2C, 15-222 Białystok, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Fiedoruk
- grid.48324.390000000122482838Department of Medical Microbiology and Nanobiomedical Engineering, Medical University of Białystok, Mickiewicza 2C, 15-222 Białystok, Poland
| | - Paul A. Janmey
- grid.25879.310000 0004 1936 8972Department of Physiology and Institute for Medicine and Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104 USA
| | - Peter A. Galie
- grid.262671.60000 0000 8828 4546Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ 08028 USA
| | - Robert Bucki
- grid.48324.390000000122482838Department of Medical Microbiology and Nanobiomedical Engineering, Medical University of Białystok, Mickiewicza 2C, 15-222 Białystok, Poland
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24
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Hsu PC, Shahed-Al-Mahmud M. SARS-CoV-2 mediated neurological disorders in COVID-19: Measuring the pathophysiology and immune response. Life Sci 2022; 308:120981. [PMID: 36150465 PMCID: PMC9490490 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.120981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The emergence of beta-coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 gets entry into its host cells by recognizing angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRESS2) receptors, which are responsible for coronavirus diseases-2019 (COVID-19). Global communities have been affected by COVID-19, especially caused the neurological complications and other critical medical issues. COVID-19 associated complications appear in aged people with underlying neurological states, especially in Parkinson's disease (PD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD). ACE2 receptors abundantly expressed in dopamine neurons may worsen the motor symptoms in PD and upregulates in SARS-CoV-2 infected aged patients' brain with AD. Immune-mediated cytokines released in SARS-CoV-2 infection lead to an indirect immune response that damages the central nervous system. Extreme cytokines release (cytokine storm) occurs due to aberrant immune pathways, and activation in microglial propagates CNS damage in COVID-19 patients. Here, we have explored the pathophysiology, immune responses, and long-term neurological impact on PD and AD patients with COVID-19. It is also a crucial step to understanding COVID-19 pathogenesis to reduce fatal outcomes of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pi-Ching Hsu
- Workplace Heath Promotion Center, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan
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25
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Kiyan Y, Schultalbers A, Chernobrivaia E, Tkachuk S, Rong S, Shushakova N, Haller H. Calcium dobesilate reduces SARS-CoV-2 entry into endothelial cells by inhibiting virus binding to heparan sulfate. Sci Rep 2022; 12:16878. [PMID: 36207386 PMCID: PMC9542452 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-20973-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent reports demonstrate that SARS-CoV-2 utilizes cell surface heparan sulfate as an attachment factor to facilitate the initial interaction with host cells. Heparan sulfate interacts with the receptor binding domain of SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein, and blocking this interaction can decrease cell infection. We and others reported recently that the family of compounds of 2,5-dihydroxyphenylic acid interferes with the binding of the positively charged groove in growth factor molecules to negatively charged cell surface heparan sulfate. We hypothesized that Calcium Dobesilate (CaD)-calcium salt of 2,5-dihydroxyphenylic acid-may also interfere with the binding of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein to heparan sulfate. Using lentiviral SARS-CoV-2 spike protein pseudotyped particles we show that CaD could significantly reduce pseudovirus uptake into endothelial cells. On the contrary, CaD did not affect cell infection with VSVG-expressing lentivirus. CaD could also prevent retention of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein in ex vivo perfused mouse kidney. Using microfluidic culture of endothelial cells under flow, we show that CaD prevents spike protein interaction with heparan sulfate glycocalyx. Since CaD has no adverse side effects and is approved in humans for other medical indications, our findings can rapidly translate into clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulia Kiyan
- Department of Nephrology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany.
| | - Anna Schultalbers
- Department of Nephrology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
- Mount Desert Biological Laboratory MDIBL, Bar Harbor, USA
| | - Ekaterina Chernobrivaia
- Department of Nephrology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Sergey Tkachuk
- Department of Nephrology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Song Rong
- Department of Nephrology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
- Phenos GmbH, Hannover, Germany
| | - Nelli Shushakova
- Department of Nephrology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
- Phenos GmbH, Hannover, Germany
| | - Hermann Haller
- Department of Nephrology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
- Mount Desert Biological Laboratory MDIBL, Bar Harbor, USA
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26
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Yang M. Redox stress in COVID-19: Implications for hematologic disorders. Best Pract Res Clin Haematol 2022; 35:101373. [PMID: 36494143 PMCID: PMC9374492 DOI: 10.1016/j.beha.2022.101373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 is the respiratory illness caused by the beta coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. COVID-19 is complicated by an increased risk for adverse thrombotic events that promote organ failure and death. While the mechanism of action for SARS-CoV-2 is still being understood, how SARS-CoV-2 infection impacts the redox environment in hematologic conditions is unclear. In this review, the redox mechanisms contributing to SARS-CoV-2 infection, coagulopathy and inflammation are briefly discussed. Specifically, sources of oxidant generation by hematopoietic and non-hematopoietic cells are identified with special emphasis on leukocytes, platelets, red cells, and endothelial cells. Furthermore, reactive cysteines in SARS-CoV-2 are also discussed with respect to oxidative cysteine modification and current therapeutic implications. Lastly, sickle cell disease will be discussed as a hematologic disorder with a pre-existing prothrombotic redox condition that complicates treatment strategies for COVID-19. An understanding of the redox mechanism may identify potential targets for COVID-19-mediated thrombosis in hematologic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moua Yang
- Division of Hemostasis and Thrombosis, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Center for Life Science Building, 3 Blackfan Circle, Rm 924, Boston, MA 02115, United States
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27
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Exploring the Paradox of COVID-19 in Neurological Complications with Emphasis on Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s Disease. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2022:3012778. [PMID: 36092161 PMCID: PMC9453010 DOI: 10.1155/2022/3012778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a human coronavirus (HCoV) that has created a pandemic situation worldwide as COVID-19. This virus can invade human cells via angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor-based mechanisms, affecting the human respiratory tract. However, several reports of neurological symptoms suggest a neuroinvasive development of coronavirus. SARS-CoV-2 can damage the brain via several routes, along with direct neural cell infection with the coronavirus. The chronic inflammatory reactions surge the brain with proinflammatory elements, damaging the neural cells, causing brain ischemia associated with other health issues. SARS-CoV-2 exhibited neuropsychiatric and neurological manifestations, including cognitive impairment, depression, dizziness, delirium, and disturbed sleep. These symptoms show nervous tissue damage that enhances the occurrence of neurodegenerative disorders and aids dementia. SARS-CoV-2 has been seen in brain necropsy and isolated from the cerebrospinal fluid of COVID-19 patients. The associated inflammatory reaction in some COVID-19 patients has increased proinflammatory cytokines, which have been investigated as a prognostic factor. Therefore, the immunogenic changes observed in Parkinson's and Alzheimer's patients include their pathogenetic role. Inflammatory events have been an important pathophysiological feature of neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. The neuroinflammation observed in AD has exacerbated the Aβ burden and tau hyperphosphorylation. The resident microglia and other immune cells are responsible for the enhanced burden of Aβ and subsequently mediate tau phosphorylation and ultimately disease progression. Similarly, neuroinflammation also plays a key role in the progression of PD. Several studies have demonstrated an interplay between neuroinflammation and pathogenic mechanisms of PD. The dynamic proinflammation stage guides the accumulation of α-synuclein and neurodegenerative progression. Besides, few viruses may have a role as stimulators and generate a cross-autoimmune response for α-synuclein. Hence, neurological complications in patients suffering from COVID-19 cannot be ruled out. In this review article, our primary focus is on discussing the neuroinvasive effect of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, its impact on the blood-brain barrier, and ultimately its impact on the people affected with neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.
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28
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Trougakos IP, Terpos E, Alexopoulos H, Politou M, Paraskevis D, Scorilas A, Kastritis E, Andreakos E, Dimopoulos MA. Adverse effects of COVID-19 mRNA vaccines: the spike hypothesis. Trends Mol Med 2022; 28:542-554. [PMID: 35537987 PMCID: PMC9021367 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2022.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 50.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2022] [Revised: 03/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Vaccination is a major tool for mitigating the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, and mRNA vaccines are central to the ongoing vaccination campaign that is undoubtedly saving thousands of lives. However, adverse effects (AEs) following vaccination have been noted which may relate to a proinflammatory action of the lipid nanoparticles used or the delivered mRNA (i.e., the vaccine formulation), as well as to the unique nature, expression pattern, binding profile, and proinflammatory effects of the produced antigens - spike (S) protein and/or its subunits/peptide fragments - in human tissues or organs. Current knowledge on this topic originates mostly from cell-based assays or from model organisms; further research on the cellular/molecular basis of the mRNA vaccine-induced AEs will therefore promise safety, maintain trust, and direct health policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis P Trougakos
- Department of Cell Biology and Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, 157 84, Greece.
| | - Evangelos Terpos
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Alexandra General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, 115 28, Greece
| | - Harry Alexopoulos
- Department of Cell Biology and Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, 157 84, Greece
| | - Marianna Politou
- Hematology Laboratory-Blood Bank, Aretaieio Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 28, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Paraskevis
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 27, Athens, Greece
| | - Andreas Scorilas
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, 157 01, Greece
| | - Efstathios Kastritis
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Alexandra General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, 115 28, Greece
| | - Evangelos Andreakos
- Laboratory of Immunobiology, Center for Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, 115 27, Greece
| | - Meletios A Dimopoulos
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Alexandra General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, 115 28, Greece
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29
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Unbalanced IDO1/IDO2 Endothelial Expression and Skewed Keynurenine Pathway in the Pathogenesis of COVID-19 and Post-COVID-19 Pneumonia. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10061332. [PMID: 35740354 PMCID: PMC9220124 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10061332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2022] [Revised: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite intense investigation, the pathogenesis of COVID-19 and the newly defined long COVID-19 syndrome are not fully understood. Increasing evidence has been provided of metabolic alterations characterizing this group of disorders, with particular relevance of an activated tryptophan/kynurenine pathway as described in this review. Recent histological studies have documented that, in COVID-19 patients, indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) enzymes are differentially expressed in the pulmonary blood vessels, i.e., IDO1 prevails in early/mild pneumonia and in lung tissues from patients suffering from long COVID-19, whereas IDO2 is predominant in severe/fatal cases. We hypothesize that IDO1 is necessary for a correct control of the vascular tone of pulmonary vessels, and its deficiency in COVID-19 might be related to the syndrome’s evolution toward vascular dysfunction. The complexity of this scenario is discussed in light of possible therapeutic manipulations of the tryptophan/kynurenine pathway in COVID-19 and post-acute COVID-19 syndromes.
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30
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Krasemann S, Glatzel M, Pless O. Response to: SARS-CoV-2 and type I interferon signaling in brain endothelial cells: Blurring the lines between friend or foe. Stem Cell Reports 2022; 17:1014-1015. [PMID: 35545023 PMCID: PMC9133576 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2022.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Krasemann
- Institute for Neuropathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; Experimental Pathology Core Facility, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Markus Glatzel
- Institute for Neuropathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ole Pless
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology (ITMP), Discovery Research Screening Port, 22525 Hamburg, Germany; Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence for Immune-Mediated Diseases (CIMD), 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
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31
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Vavougios GD, Zarogiannis SG, Hadjigeorgiou G, Krogfelt KA, Gourgoulianis KI. SARS-CoV-2 and type I interferon signaling in brain endothelial cells: Blurring the lines between friend or foe. Stem Cell Reports 2022; 17:1012-1013. [PMID: 35545022 PMCID: PMC9087889 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2022.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- George D Vavougios
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cyprus, 75 Kallipoleos Street, 1678, Lefkosia, Cyprus; Department of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Biopolis, 41500, Larissa, Greece.
| | - Sotirios G Zarogiannis
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Biopolis, 41500, Larissa, Greece
| | - Georgios Hadjigeorgiou
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cyprus, 75 Kallipoleos Street, 1678, Lefkosia, Cyprus
| | - Karen A Krogfelt
- Department of Molecular and Medical Biology, Centre for Mathematical Modeling - Human Health and Disease, PandemiX Center, Universitetsvej 1, 28A.1, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Konstantinos I Gourgoulianis
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Biopolis, 41500, Larissa, Greece
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32
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Francesca P, Mauro P, Clerbaux LA, Leoni G, Ponti J, Bogni A, Brogna C, Cristoni S, Sanges R, Mendoza-de Gyves E, Fabbri M, Querci M, Soares H, Munoz Pineiro A, Whelan M, Van de Eede G. Effects of spike protein and toxin-like peptides found in COVID-19 patients on human 3D neuronal/glial model undergoing differentiation: possible implications for SARS-CoV-2 impact on brain development. Reprod Toxicol 2022; 111:34-48. [PMID: 35525527 PMCID: PMC9068247 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2022.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The possible neurodevelopmental consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection are presently unknown. In utero exposure to SARS-CoV-2 has been hypothesized to affect the developing brain, possibly disrupting neurodevelopment of children. Spike protein interactors, such as ACE2, have been found expressed in the fetal brain, and could play a role in potential SARS-CoV-2 fetal brain pathogenesis. Apart from the possible direct involvement of SARS-CoV-2 or its specific viral components in the occurrence of neurological and neurodevelopmental manifestations, we recently reported the presence of toxin-like peptides in plasma, urine and fecal samples specifically from COVID-19 patients. In this study, we investigated the possible neurotoxic effects elicited upon 72-hour exposure to human relevant levels of recombinant spike protein, toxin-like peptides found in COVID-19 patients, as well as a combination of both in 3D human iPSC-derived neural stem cells differentiated for either 2 weeks (short-term) or 8 weeks (long-term, 2 weeks in suspension + 6 weeks on MEA) towards neurons/glia. Whole transcriptome and qPCR analysis revealed that spike protein and toxin-like peptides at non-cytotoxic concentrations differentially perturb the expression of SPHK1, ELN, GASK1B, HEY1, UTS2, ACE2 and some neuronal-, glia- and NSC-related genes critical during brain development. Additionally, exposure to spike protein caused a decrease of spontaneous electrical activity after two days in long-term differentiated cultures. The perturbations of these neurodevelopmental endpoints are discussed in the context of recent knowledge about the key events described in Adverse Outcome Pathways relevant to COVID-19, gathered in the context of the CIAO project (https://www.ciao-covid.net/).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Petrillo Mauro
- Seidor Italy srl. Past affiliation (until 15/06/2021) European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Ispra, Italy
| | | | - Gabriele Leoni
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Ispra, Italy; International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA), Trieste, Italy
| | - Jessica Ponti
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Ispra, Italy
| | - Alessia Bogni
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Ispra, Italy
| | | | | | - Remo Sanges
- International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA), Trieste, Italy
| | | | - Marco Fabbri
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Ispra, Italy
| | | | - Helena Soares
- Human Immunobiology and Pathogenesis Group, CEDOC, NOVA Medical School
- Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NOVA University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | - Maurice Whelan
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Ispra, Italy
| | - Guy Van de Eede
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Geel, Belgium
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33
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Perico L, Morigi M, Galbusera M, Pezzotta A, Gastoldi S, Imberti B, Perna A, Ruggenenti P, Donadelli R, Benigni A, Remuzzi G. SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein 1 Activates Microvascular Endothelial Cells and Complement System Leading to Platelet Aggregation. Front Immunol 2022; 13:827146. [PMID: 35320941 PMCID: PMC8936079 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.827146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Microvascular thrombosis is associated with multiorgan failure and mortality in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Although thrombotic complications may be ascribed to the ability of SARS-CoV-2 to infect and replicate in endothelial cells, it has been poorly investigated whether, in the complexity of viral infection in the human host, specific viral elements alone can induce endothelial damage. Detection of circulating spike protein in the sera of severe COVID-19 patients was evaluated by ELISA. In vitro experiments were performed on human microvascular endothelial cells from the derma and lung exposed to SARS-CoV-2-derived spike protein 1 (S1). The expression of adhesive molecules was studied by immunofluorescence and leukocyte adhesion and platelet aggregation were assessed under flow conditions. Angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and AMPK expression were investigated by Western Blot analysis. In addition, S1-treated endothelial cells were incubated with anti-ACE2 blocking antibody, AMPK agonist, or complement inhibitors. Our results show that significant levels of spike protein were found in the 30.4% of severe COVID-19 patients. In vitro, the activation of endothelial cells with S1 protein, via ACE2, impaired AMPK signalling, leading to robust leukocyte recruitment due to increased adhesive molecule expression and thrombomodulin loss. This S1-induced pro-inflammatory phenotype led to exuberant C3 and C5b-9 deposition on endothelial cells, along with C3a and C5a generation that further amplified S1-induced complement activation. Functional blockade of ACE2 or complement inhibition halted S1-induced platelet aggregates by limiting von Willebrand factor and P-selectin exocytosis and expression on endothelial cells. Overall, we demonstrate that SARS-CoV-2-derived S1 is sufficient in itself to propagate inflammatory and thrombogenic processes in the microvasculature, amplified by the complement system, recapitulating the thromboembolic complications of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Perico
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Marina Morigi
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Miriam Galbusera
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Anna Pezzotta
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Sara Gastoldi
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Barbara Imberti
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Annalisa Perna
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Piero Ruggenenti
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
- Unit of Nephrology and Dialysis, Azienda Socio Sanitaria Territoriale (ASST) Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Roberta Donadelli
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Ariela Benigni
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
- *Correspondence: Ariela Benigni,
| | - Giuseppe Remuzzi
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
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34
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Theoharides TC. Could SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Be Responsible for Long-COVID Syndrome? Mol Neurobiol 2022; 59:1850-1861. [PMID: 35028901 PMCID: PMC8757925 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-021-02696-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 infects cells via its spike protein binding to its surface receptor on target cells and results in acute symptoms involving especially the lungs known as COVID-19. However, increasing evidence indicates that many patients develop a chronic condition characterized by fatigue and neuropsychiatric symptoms, termed long-COVID. Most of the vaccines produced so far for COVID-19 direct mammalian cells via either mRNA or an adenovirus vector to express the spike protein, or administer recombinant spike protein, which is recognized by the immune system leading to the production of neutralizing antibodies. Recent publications provide new findings that may help decipher the pathogenesis of long-COVID. One paper reported perivascular inflammation in brains of deceased patients with COVID-19, while others showed that the spike protein could damage the endothelium in an animal model, that it could disrupt an in vitro model of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), and that it can cross the BBB resulting in perivascular inflammation. Moreover, the spike protein appears to share antigenic epitopes with human molecular chaperons resulting in autoimmunity and can activate toll-like receptors (TLRs), leading to release of inflammatory cytokines. Moreover, some antibodies produced against the spike protein may not be neutralizing, but may change its conformation rendering it more likely to bind to its receptor. As a result, one wonders whether the spike protein entering the brain or being expressed by brain cells could activate microglia, alone or together with inflammatory cytokines, since protective antibodies could not cross the BBB, leading to neuro-inflammation and contributing to long-COVID. Hence, there is urgent need to better understand the neurotoxic effects of the spike protein and to consider possible interventions to mitigate spike protein-related detrimental effects to the brain, possibly via use of small natural molecules, especially the flavonoids luteolin and quercetin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theoharis C Theoharides
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunopharmacology and Drug Discovery, Department of Immunology, Tufts University School of Medicine, 136 Harrison Avenue, Suite 304, Boston, MA, 02111, USA.
- School of Graduate Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02111, USA.
- Departments of Internal Medicine and Psychiatry, Tufts University School of Medicine and Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, 02111, USA.
- Institute of Neuro-Immune Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Clearwater, FL, 33759, USA.
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