The Possible Role of Microbial Proteases in Facilitating SARS-CoV-2 Brain Invasion.
Nozethu MjokaneOlufemi S FolorunsoAdepemi O OgundejiOlihile M SebolaiPublished in: Biology (2021)
SARS-CoV-2 has been shown to display proclivity towards organs bearing angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE2) expression cells. Of interest herein is the ability of the virus to exhibit neurotropism. However, there is limited information on how this virus invades the brain. With this contribution, we explore how, in the context of a microbial co-infection using a cryptococcal co-infection as a model, SARS-CoV-2 could reach the brain. We theorise that the secretion of proteases by disseminated fungal cells might also activate the S2 domain of the viral spike glycoprotein for membrane fusion with brain endothelial cells leading to endocytosis. Understanding this potential invasion mechanism could lead to better SARS-CoV-2 intervention measures, which may also be applicable in instances of co-infection, especially with protease-secreting pathogens.
Keyphrases
- sars cov
- angiotensin converting enzyme
- resting state
- respiratory syndrome coronavirus
- white matter
- induced apoptosis
- endothelial cells
- angiotensin ii
- functional connectivity
- microbial community
- cell cycle arrest
- cerebral ischemia
- randomized controlled trial
- poor prognosis
- endoplasmic reticulum stress
- cell proliferation
- signaling pathway
- binding protein
- oxidative stress
- climate change
- social media
- cell death
- vascular endothelial growth factor