Neuromechanisms of SARS-CoV-2: A Review

Neuromechanisms of SARS-CoV-2: A Review

Isabella D'Andrea Meira, Vivaldo Moura-Neto, Tania Cristina Leite De Sampaio E Spohr, Sylvie Devalle, Marcos F. DosSantos, Cláudia Maria Pereira, Juliana de Mattos Coelho-Aguiar, Veronica Aran, Daniela Capra, Natália Roberta Roque, Janice Gonçalves Subilhaga, Paulo Niemeyer Soares Filho

Recent studies have suggested the neuroinvasive potential of severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Notably, neuroinvasiveness might be involved in the pathophysiology of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Some studies have demonstrated that synapse-connected routes may enable coronaviruses to access the central nervous system (CNS). However, evidence related to the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in the CNS, its direct impact on the CNS, and the contribution to symptoms suffered, remain sparse. Here, we review the current literature that indicates that SARS-CoV-2 can invade the nervous system. We also describe the neural circuits that are potentially affected by the virus and their possible role in the progress of COVID-19. In addition, we propose several strategies to understand, diagnose, and treat the neurological symptoms of COVID-19.

2020

central nervous system, Peripheral Nervous System, anosmia, dysgeusia, SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19

DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2020.00037

Frontiers in Neuroanatomy

Frontiers Media S.A.

Neurosciences. Biological psychiatry. Neuropsychiatry, Human anatomy