Current evidence suggests that there is no widespread infection of the central nervous system (CNS) by SARS-CoV-2, thus what is causing COVID-19 neurological disease? This paper reviews potential immunological mechanisms driving neurological disease in COVID-19 patients. The implications of imbalanced peripheral immunity on CNS function are discussed, followed by an examination of the evidence for dysregulation of the blood-brain barrier during SARS-CoV-2 infection. Finally, the authors discuss the role myeloid cells may play in promoting COVID-19 neurological disease. In summary, this paper highlights the role of innate immunity in COVID-19 neuroinflammation and suggests areas for future research.
Vanderheiden A, Klein RS. Neuroinflammation and COVID-19. Curr Opin Neurobiol. 2022 Jun 29;76:102608.
doi: 10.1016/j.conb.2022.102608
Epub ahead of print.