Distinct SARS-CoV-2 RNA fragments activate Toll-like receptors 7 and 8 and induce cytokine release from human macrophages and microglia.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

The pandemic coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and is marked by thromboembolic events and an inflammatory response throughout the body, including the brain.

Methods

Employing the machine learning approach BrainDead we systematically screened for SARS-CoV-2 genome-derived single-stranded (ss) RNA fragments with high potential to activate the viral RNA-sensing innate immune receptors Toll-like receptor (TLR)7 and/or TLR8. Analyzing HEK TLR7/8 reporter cells we tested such RNA fragments with respect to their potential to induce activation of human TLR7 and TLR8 and to activate human macrophages, as well as iPSC-derived human microglia, the resident immune cells in the brain.

Results

We

SUBMITTER: Wallach T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9880480 | biostudies-literature | 2022

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature