Chemosensory Dysfunction in COVID-19: Integration of Genetic and Epidemiological Data Points to D614G Spike Protein Variant as a Contributing Factor.
ACS Chem Neurosci
; 11(20): 3180-3184, 2020 10 21.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-807216
ABSTRACT
After several months of rapid pandemic expansion, it is now apparent that the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus interferes with smell and taste sensation in a substantial proportion of COVID-19 patients. Recent epidemiological data documented intriguing differences in prevalence of chemosensory dysfunctions between different world regions. Viral genetic factors as well as host genetic factors appear to be relevant; however, it is not yet known which mutations or polymorphisms actually contribute to such phenotypic differences between populations. Here, we discuss recent genetic and epidemiological data on the D614G spike protein variant and assess whether current evidence is consistent with the notion that this single nucleotide polymorphism augments chemosensory impairments in COVID-19 patients. We hypothesize that this spike variant is an important viral genetic factor that facilitates infection of chemosensory epithelia, possibly acting together with yet to be identified host factors, and thereby increases smell and taste impairment. We suggest that the prevalence of chemosensory deficits may reflect the pandemic potential for transmissibility and spread which differs between populations.
Keywords
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Pneumonia, Viral
/
Taste Disorders
/
Coronavirus Infections
/
Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus
/
Betacoronavirus
/
Olfaction Disorders
Type of study:
Observational study
Topics:
Long Covid
/
Variants
Limits:
Humans
Language:
English
Journal:
ACS Chem Neurosci
Year:
2020
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Acschemneuro.0c00596
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