Elevated serum mtDNA in COVID-19 patients is linked to SARS-CoV-2 envelope protein targeting mitochondrial VDAC1, inducing apoptosis and mtDNA release.

ABSTRACT: Mitochondria dysfunction is implicated in cell death, inflammation, and autoimmunity. During viral infections, some viruses employ different strategies to disrupt mitochondria-dependent apoptosis, while others, including SARS-CoV-2, induce host cell apoptosis to facilitate replication and immune system modulation. Given mitochondrial DNAs (mtDNA) role as a pro-inflammatory damage-associated molecular pattern in inflammatory diseases, we examined its levels in the serum of COVID-19 patients and found it to be high relative to levels in healthy donors. Furthermore, comparison of serum protein profiles between healthy individuals and SARS-CoV-2-infected patients revealed unique bands in the COVID-19 patients. Using mass spectroscopy, we identified over 15 proteins, whose levels in the serum o

SUBMITTER: Shteinfer-Kuzmine A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11550248 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature