SARS-CoV-2 causes brain inflammation and induces Lewy body formation in macaques

• DOI: 10.1101/2021.02.23.432474
• Publication Date: 2021-02-23T21:50:17Z
• Authors: Ingrid H.C.H.M. P...; Kinga P. Böszörményi; Jacqueline A. Wubben; Zahra C. Fagrouch; Nikki van Driel; Amber Q. Mayenburg; Diana Lozovagia; Eva Roos; Bernadette Schurink; Marianna Bugiani; Ronald E. Bontrop; Jinte Middeldorp; Willy M. Bogers; Lioe-Fee de Geus-Oei; Jan A.M. Langermans; Marieke A. Stammes; Babs E. Verstrepen; Ernst J. Verschoor
• Keywords: Neuropathology; Lewy body; Rhesus macaque

Abstract SARS-CoV-2 may cause acute respiratory disease, but the infection can also initiate neurological symptoms. Here we show that causes brain inflammation in macaque model. An increased metabolic activity pituitary gland of two macaques was observed by longitudinal positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT). Post-mortem analysis demonstrated infiltration T-cells and activated microglia brain, viral RNA detected tissues from one animal. We Lewy bodies brains all rhesus macaques. These data emphasize virus’ capability to induce neuropathology this nonhuman primate model for infection. As humans, body formation is an indication development Parkinson’s represents a warning potential long-term effects after Teaser bodies, hallmark Parkinson, asymptomatic