EU-Funded NeuroCOV Project Unravels Immune System's Role in Long Covid's Neurological Symptoms
The EU-funded NeuroCOV project, initiated in 2022, is delving into the complex interplay between the nervous system and the immune system in Long Covid. Led by the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) in Bonn, the project aims to understand and address neurological symptoms of Long Covid, collectively known as Neuro-Covid.
Initially, it was believed that the virus directly entered the brain. However, recent research suggests that altered immune cell populations and disrupted immune signaling pathways are the primary culprits. These changes affect nerve cells, making them more vulnerable and triggering stress responses. Modern methods such as single-cell genomics, blood and cerebrospinal fluid analyses, organoids, and stem cell-derived nerve cells are employed to investigate these interactions. The Dutch research group contributes by examining real human brain tissues and protein aggregates linked to Neuro-Covid.
Joachim Schultze, the project coordinator, discusses the challenges and findings of the NeuroCOV project. The ultimate goal is to develop targeted therapies for these neurological symptoms.
The NeuroCOV project, led by DZNE, is making strides in understanding the neurological aspects of Long Covid. By investigating immune cell populations and immune signaling pathways, researchers hope to develop targeted therapies for Neuro-Covid symptoms such as fatigue, memory loss, and brain fog.
