How SARS-CoV-2 proteins affect vascular functionality

As the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues to spread, it is speculated that it is also a vascular disease. The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) affects the body beyond the respiratory tract, leading to various symptoms and complications.

Researchers at Tel Aviv University sought to identify how specific SARS-CoV-2 proteins affect the vasculature. They found that 70 percent of SARS-CoV-2 proteins affect vascular permeability, specifically targeting endothelial cells.

The study, published on the pre-print server medRxiv*, can pinpoint and isolate how each of the SARS-CoV-2 proteins independently affects the endothelial response and directly gauge endothelial functionality.

Effect of SARS-CoV-2 proteins on endothelial cells. a Sketch representing the main organs affected by SARS-CoV-2; b structure and gene composition of SARS-CoV-2.
Effect of SARS-CoV-2 proteins on endothelial cells. a Sketch representing the main organs affected by SARS-CoV-2; b structure and gene composition of SARS-CoV-2.

This news article was a review of a preliminary scientific report that had not undergone peer-review at the time of publication. Since its initial publication, the scientific report has now been peer reviewed and accepted for publication in a Scientific Journal. Links to the preliminary and peer-reviewed reports are available in the Sources section at the bottom of this article. View Sources

SARS-CoV-2 and the vascular system

The COVID-19 leads to severe disease in high-risk populations like the elderly and those with comorbidities. Often, severe disease is associated with cytokine storm, vascular dysfunction, progressive lung damage, and coagulation.

SARS-CoV-2 affects several vital organs, such as the lungs, heart, kidneys, and blood vessels, via its pathological effect on endothelial cells.

In a previous study, COVID-19 may cause severe disease. After the initial viral infection phase, about 30 percent of 40 patients hospitalized develop severe illness, with progressive lung damage and severe immune response. Consequently, other complications were observed, including low oxygen in the blood and cytokine storm. These led to heart and kidney failure.

Many of these pathologies were linked to the increased coagulation and vascular dysfunction. It is believed that aside from being a respiratory illness, COVID-19 may also be a vascular disease. It causes a leaky vascular barrier and heightened expression of von Willebrand factor (VWF), responsible for increased coagulation, inflammation, and cytokine release.

The alteration of the endothelial barrier in the blood vessels may be due to several factors. First, it could be the result of a direct effect on the endothelial cells, causing endothelitis and endothelial dysfunction. Second, it could be due to lysis and the death of endothelial cells.

Third, it could be due to sequestering of the human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (hACE2) by viral proteins that stimulate the kallikrein-bradykinin renin-angiotensin pathways, promoting vascular permeability.

Lastly, the overreaction of the immune system, wherein a combination of immune cells and neutrophils happens. This causes the production of reactive oxygen species, inflammatory cytokines, and vasoactive molecules.

Further, deposition of hyaluronic acid causes altered endothelial junctions, increasing vascular permeability, leakage, and coagulation.

The study

The SARS-CoV-2 genome encodes 29 proteins, contributing to the disease signs and symptoms, and endothelial complications are unknown.

To see the effects of these proteins on endothelial cells, the team cloned and expressed 26 of these proteins in human cells, particularly human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). They observed the endothelial response to overexpression of each protein.

The team found that 70 percent of these proteins stimulated significant changes in endothelial permeability. Specifically, proteins nsp2, nsp5_c145a (catalytic dead mutant of nsp5), and nsp7 reduced CD31, called platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule 1 (PECAM-1), which thought to be a sensitive and specific marker for vascular differentiation. They also increased von Willebrand factor expression and interleukin-6 (IL-6), suggesting endothelial dysfunction.

Further, the team applied their protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis and predicted the endothelial proteins affected by viral proteins. They used the PPI model to determine the role of each protein in other tissues affected by SARS-CoV-2.

Overall, the study identified which of the viral proteins are most dominant in affecting the virus's physiological response. The team believes that the study will provide a better insight into the mechanisms by which the vascular system responds to SARS-CoV-2 infection. From there, the team recommends that the findings may serve as a basis for drug development to target the identified proteins.

Finding an effective drug is essential as the virus has spread to 192 countries and regions, infecting over 114 million people. The virus has claimed 2.54 million lives globally.

Countries with the highest number of cases include the United States, with 28.71 million cases; India, 11.12 million cases; and Brazil, with 10.64 million cases.

This news article was a review of a preliminary scientific report that had not undergone peer-review at the time of publication. Since its initial publication, the scientific report has now been peer reviewed and accepted for publication in a Scientific Journal. Links to the preliminary and peer-reviewed reports are available in the Sources section at the bottom of this article. View Sources

Source:
Journal references:

Article Revisions

  • Apr 5 2023 - The preprint preliminary research paper that this article was based upon was accepted for publication in a peer-reviewed Scientific Journal. This article was edited accordingly to include a link to the final peer-reviewed paper, now shown in the sources section.
Angela Betsaida B. Laguipo

Written by

Angela Betsaida B. Laguipo

Angela is a nurse by profession and a writer by heart. She graduated with honors (Cum Laude) for her Bachelor of Nursing degree at the University of Baguio, Philippines. She is currently completing her Master's Degree where she specialized in Maternal and Child Nursing and worked as a clinical instructor and educator in the School of Nursing at the University of Baguio.

Citations

Please use one of the following formats to cite this article in your essay, paper or report:

  • APA

    Laguipo, Angela. (2023, April 05). How SARS-CoV-2 proteins affect vascular functionality. News-Medical. Retrieved on November 06, 2024 from https://www.news-medical.net/news/20210303/How-SARS-CoV-2-proteins-affect-vascular-functionality.aspx.

  • MLA

    Laguipo, Angela. "How SARS-CoV-2 proteins affect vascular functionality". News-Medical. 06 November 2024. <https://www.news-medical.net/news/20210303/How-SARS-CoV-2-proteins-affect-vascular-functionality.aspx>.

  • Chicago

    Laguipo, Angela. "How SARS-CoV-2 proteins affect vascular functionality". News-Medical. https://www.news-medical.net/news/20210303/How-SARS-CoV-2-proteins-affect-vascular-functionality.aspx. (accessed November 06, 2024).

  • Harvard

    Laguipo, Angela. 2023. How SARS-CoV-2 proteins affect vascular functionality. News-Medical, viewed 06 November 2024, https://www.news-medical.net/news/20210303/How-SARS-CoV-2-proteins-affect-vascular-functionality.aspx.

Comments

The opinions expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of News Medical.
Post a new comment
Post

While we only use edited and approved content for Azthena answers, it may on occasions provide incorrect responses. Please confirm any data provided with the related suppliers or authors. We do not provide medical advice, if you search for medical information you must always consult a medical professional before acting on any information provided.

Your questions, but not your email details will be shared with OpenAI and retained for 30 days in accordance with their privacy principles.

Please do not ask questions that use sensitive or confidential information.

Read the full Terms & Conditions.

You might also like...
AVAnT1A study: Investigating early COVID-19 vaccination and type 1 diabetes risk in children