The SARS-CoV-2 spike protein alters barrier function in 2D static and 3D microfluidic in-vitro models of the human blood–brain barrier

As researchers across the globe have focused their attention on understanding SARS-CoV-2, the picture that is emerging is that of a virus that has serious effects on the vasculature in multiple organ systems including the cerebral vasculature. Observed effects on the central nervous system include neurological symptoms (headache, nausea, dizziness), fatal microclot formation and in rare cases encephalitis. However, our understanding of how the virus causes these mild to severe neurological symptoms and how the cerebral vasculature is impacted remains unclear. Thus, the results presented in this report explored whether deleterious outcomes from the SARS-CoV-2 viral spike protein on primary human brain…

• TU
  Temple University
• NI
  National Institutes of Health

  Awards: DA007237, T32 DA007237, 5R24HD000836, K01DA046308
• NI
  National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
• EK
  Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development

  Award: 5R24HD000836