Johns Hopkins University

Researchers used cerebral organoids (3D in vitro models of brain tissue) to examine the potential effects that SARS-CoV-2 may have on the brain.  Choroid plexus (ChP) epithelial cells in the brain organoids were detected to contain SARS-CoV-2 entry factors, such as the receptor ACE2.  Upon incubating the organoids with SARS-CoV-2 spike protein pseudovirus and live virus, the ChP cells were infected with both the spike pseudovirus and live virus, as demonstrated by immunostaining of ACE2 on the infected cells.  Infecting the organoids with live SARS-CoV-2 appeared to further impact the ChP by breaking down the barrier of the ChP.  Because the ChP is a crucial barrier that plays a key function in stopping cytokines and immune cells from entering the brain and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), it is important to consider potential adverse neurological effects that may arise from SARS-CoV-2 disrupting the ChP.     

SARS-CoV-2 Infects Brain Choroid Plexus and Disrupts the Blood-CSF-Barrier

Pellegrini, L., Albecka, A., Mallery, D. L., Kellner, M. J., Paul, D., Carter, A. P., James, L. C., & Lancaster, M. A. (2020). SARS-CoV-2 infects brain choroid plexus and disrupts the blood-CSF-barrier. BioRxiv, 2020.08.20.259937. https://doi.org/10.1101/2020.08.20.259937


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