A Peripheral Neuron-to-Microglia Signaling Axis Connecting Transient Viral Infection to Persistent Neuroinflammatory States | Research Square
How does a transient viral infection like COVID lead to long lasting neurologic symptoms?
In humans and in animal models, SARS-CoV-2 can damage peripheral sensory nerves in the nose, leaving behind debris that can then trigger inflammation in brain microglia for weeks to months after infection, which can then lead to post-viral neurological symptoms like cognitive dysfunction (brain fog).
The peripheral neuron-to-microglia axis offers a potential explanation for persistent inflammation seen in conditions like Long COVID and ME/CFS.
