Spike Protein Accumulation Linked to Lasting Neurological Effects of Long COVID
A new study reveals that the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein can persist in the brain's protective layers and skull bone marrow for up to four years post-infection, potentially explaining Long COVID's neurological symptoms.
Researchers from Helmholtz Munich and Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München have identified a potential mechanism behind the neurological symptoms of Long COVID. The findings, published in Cell Host & Microbe, indicate that the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein can remain in the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain, and in the skull's bone marrow for up to four years after an infection.
This persistent presence of spike protein could trigger chronic inflammation and increase the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. The accumulation may lead to accelerated brain aging, potentially reducing healthy brain function years. These tissues are particularly vulnerable due to a high concentration of ACE2 receptors, to which the spike protein binds.
Utilizing a novel AI-powered imaging technique that renders organs and tissue samples transparent, researchers visualized the three-dimensional distribution of proteins. This allowed them to uncover previously undetectable accumulations of spike protein in tissue samples and in a mouse model.
The study also demonstrated that mRNA COVID-19 vaccines significantly reduced spike protein accumulation in the brain. While vaccines offer protection, they do not fully eliminate the risk, suggesting a need for additional therapeutic strategies. The researchers highlight that these findings open new avenues for diagnosing and treating the long-term neurological effects of COVID-19, underscoring the condition's broad societal impact.