SARS-CoV-2 induces pro-inflammatory cytokines with an impact on mental health

ABSTRACT

In December 2019, the novel coronavirus strain SARS-CoV-2 caused an outbreak that quickly spread worldwide and led to the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19, the severe infectious disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, often presents with symptoms including fever, cough, and mental confusion and can cause the acute respiratory inflammatory disorder. Additionally, viral infection with SARS-CoV-2 is associated with mental health, neuronal degeneration, and psychiatric complications. With infection by the virus, cytokines are released by immune cells, causing acute systemic inflammation affecting the lungs. Lung damage can occur, resulting in hypoxia, brain damage, and mental health dysfunction. In addition, a cascade of inflammatory cytokines, including IL-1, IL-6, and TNF, are released, a phenomenon termed the "cytokine storm" that causes serious pathological damage to tissues and organs and mental health. This exaggerated production of cytokines leads to lymphopenia and disrupts the balance of Treg and Th17 cells, weakening the immune system. The elderly population is particularly at risk for damage associated with the "cytokine storm", which can affect neurological functions or result in death. Copyright © by BIOLIFE.