Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have made a big discovery in understanding the long-term impacts of COVID-19 on the brain.
Their study, published in the Journal of Medical Virology, reveals that prolonged infection with SARS-CoV-2 leads to the accumulation of Tau proteins in the brain, which are hallmark features of Alzheimer’s disease.
This research utilized a newly developed mouse model that closely mimics human infection with COVID-19.
By genetically engineering mice to express human ACE2 proteins—the main receptor for the SARS-CoV-2 virus—on their cell surfaces, the team created a sophisticated tool to study the virus’s neurological effects.
This model even includes a genetic switch to control the expression of the ACE2 proteins, allowing for precise investigations of their role at various stages and locations within the body.
Under the leadership of Xiaobo Mao, Ph.D., and Hongpeng Jia, M.D., the study exposed these genetically modified mice to SARS-CoV-2.
Interestingly, while the infection did not lead to premature death, it resulted in the accumulation of Tau proteins in their brains for up to 21 days post-infection.
Tau proteins, which can clump and tangle, are strongly associated with the development and progression of Alzheimer’s disease.
In the infected mice, these proteins not only accumulated but also propagated from cell to cell over time, suggesting a potential mechanism for cognitive decline.
This research adds to a growing body of evidence from both animal models and human autopsy samples that COVID-19 may contribute to neurodegenerative processes.
The presence of pathological Tau proteins and their spread within the brain highlight the need for further investigation into the long-term cognitive impacts of COVID-19, particularly among “long haulers” who experience persistent symptoms.
Kundlik Gadhave, Ph.D., a co-first author and postdoctoral fellow at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, emphasized the importance of this model as a tool for the scientific community.
It opens new avenues for studying how COVID-19 might lead to cognitive impairments and symptoms similar to those seen in Alzheimer’s disease, shedding light on the potential risks facing individuals in the post-COVID-19 era.
This study underscores the critical need for ongoing research into the neurological consequences of COVID-19, aiming to better understand and eventually mitigate the virus’s long-term effects on the brain.
If you care about Alzheimer’s, please read studies about the likely cause of Alzheimer’s disease , and new non-drug treatment that could help prevent Alzheimer’s.
For more information about brain health, please see recent studies about diet that may help prevent Alzheimer’s, and results showing some dementia cases could be prevented by changing these 12 things.
The research findings can be found in the Journal of Medical Virology.
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