Mast cell activation triggered by SARS-CoV-2 causes inflammation in brain microvascular endothelial cells and microglia

• DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1358873
• Publication Date: 2024-04-04T05:04:08Z
• Authors: Meng-Li Wu; Chengzuo Xie; Xin Li; Jing Sun; Jincun Zhao; Jian-Hua Wang
• Keywords: Endothelial Activation

SARS-CoV-2-induced excessive inflammation in brain leads to damage of blood-brain barrier, hypoxic-ischemic injury, and neuron degeneration. The production inflammatory cytokines by microvascular endothelial cells microglia is reported be critically associated with the pathology COVID-19 patients. However, cellular mechanisms for SARS-CoV-2-inducing activation subsequent neuroinflammation remain fully delineated. Our research, along others', has recently demonstrated that accumulation mast (MCs) mouse lung could further induce consequent damages. Intracerebral MCs their cross talk other play important roles neurodegenerative diseases including virus-induced neuro-pathophysiology. In this study, we investigated role MC neuroinflammation. We found (1) SARS-CoV-2 infection triggered cerebrovascular region mice; (2) spike/RBD (receptor-binding domain) protein-triggered induced factors human microglia; (3) degranulation destroyed tight junction proteins proliferation microglia. These findings reveal a mechanism