Neurological Symptoms of COVID-19: The Zonulin Hypothesis
Sílvia Llorens, Eduardo Nava, Mónica Muñoz, Álvaro Sánchez‐Larsen, Tomás Segura
Abstract
The irruption of SARS-CoV-2 during 2020 has been of pandemic proportions due to its rapid spread and virulence. COVID-19 patients experience respiratory, digestive and neurological symptoms. Distinctive symptom as anosmia, suggests a potential neurotropism of this virus. Amongst the several pathways of entry to the nervous system, we propose an alternative pathway from the infection of the gut, involving Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), zonulin, protease-activated receptor 2 (PAR2) and zonulin brain receptor. Possible use of zonulin antagonists could be investigated to attenuate neurological manifestations caused by SARS-CoV-19 infection.
Topics & Concepts
AnosmiaMedicineImmunologyReceptorTLR4Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)Central nervous systemVirologyInflammationInternal medicineDiseaseInfectious disease (medical specialty)Olfactory and Sensory Function StudiesLong-Term Effects of COVID-19Vagus Nerve Stimulation Research