SARS-CoV-2 mediated neuroinflammation and the impact of COVID-19 in neurological disorders

Narayanappa, Amruta; Chastain, Wesley H.; Paz, Meshi; Solch, Rebecca J.; Murray-Brown, Isabel C.; Befeler, Jaime B.; Gressett, Timothy E.; Longo, Michele T.; Engler-Chiurazzi, Elizabeth B.; Bix, Gregory

SARS-CoV-2 is a novel coronavirus that severely affects the respiratory system, is the cause of the COVID-19 pandemic, and is projected to result in the deaths of 2 million people worldwide. Recent reports suggest that SARS-CoV-2 also affects the central nervous system along with other organs. COVID-19-associated complications are observed in older people with underlying neurological conditions like stroke, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson’s disease. Hence, we discuss SARS-CoV-2 viral replication and its inflammation-mediated infection. This review also focuses on COVID-19 associated neurological complications in individuals with those complications as well as other groups of people. Finally, we also briefly discuss the current therapies available to treat patients, as well as ongoing available treatments and vaccines for effective cures with a special focus on the therapeutic potential of a small 5 amino acid peptide (PHSCN), ATN-161, that inhibits SARS-CoV-2 spike protein binding to both integrin α5β1 and α5β1/hACE2.