Your browser doesn't support javascript.
A human coronavirus OC43-derived polypeptide causes neuropathic pain.
Shubayev, Veronica I; Dolkas, Jennifer; Catroli, Glaucilene Ferreira; Chernov, Andrei V.
  • Shubayev VI; Department of Anesthesiology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
  • Dolkas J; VA San Diego Healthcare System, La Jolla, CA, USA.
  • Catroli GF; Department of Anesthesiology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
  • Chernov AV; VA San Diego Healthcare System, La Jolla, CA, USA.
EMBO Rep ; 23(6): e54069, 2022 06 07.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1811581
ABSTRACT
Human coronaviruses have been recently implicated in neurological sequelae by insufficiently understood mechanisms. We here identify an amino acid sequence within the HCoV-OC43 p65-like protein homologous to the evolutionarily conserved motif of myelin basic protein (MBP). Because MBP-derived peptide exposure in the sciatic nerve produces pronociceptive activity in female rodents, we examined whether a synthetic peptide derived from the homologous region of HCoV-OC43 (OC43p) acts by molecular mimicry to promote neuropathic pain. OC43p, but not scrambled peptides, induces mechanical hypersensitivity in rats following intrasciatic injections. Transcriptome analyses of the corresponding spinal cords reveal upregulation of genes and signaling pathways with known nociception-, immune-, and cellular energy-related activities. Affinity capture shows the association of OC43p with an Na+ /K+ -transporting ATPase, providing a potential direct target and mechanistic insight into virus-induced effects on energy homeostasis and the sensory neuraxis. We propose that HCoV-OC43 polypeptides released during infection dysregulate normal nervous system functions through molecular mimicry of MBP, leading to mechanical hypersensitivity. Our findings might provide a new paradigm for virus-induced neuropathic pain.
Subject(s)
Keywords

Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Coronavirus OC43, Human / Neuralgia Topics: Long Covid Limits: Animals / Female / Humans Language: English Journal: EMBO Rep Journal subject: Molecular Biology Year: 2022 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: Embr.202154069

Similar

MEDLINE

...
LILACS

LIS


Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Coronavirus OC43, Human / Neuralgia Topics: Long Covid Limits: Animals / Female / Humans Language: English Journal: EMBO Rep Journal subject: Molecular Biology Year: 2022 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: Embr.202154069