ACE2-Associated Vascular and Immune Mechanisms Underlying COVID-19 Neurological Injury
According to recent research, Receptor-mediated mechanisms underlying neurological complications in COVID-19: from viral entry to neuroinflammation https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13205-026-04749-4 Neurological problems caused by COVID-19 can occur during the infection or continue afterward as long-term symptoms. Scientists still do not fully understand exactly how these problems develop. However, research from clinical studies, brain imaging, tissue analysis, and molecular biology suggests that the virus usually does not directly infect large parts of the brain. Instead, most neurological damage appears to happen through immune reactions and blood-vessel problems triggered by the virus. The virus mainly enters cells through a receptor called ACE2. Another molecule, neuropilin-1 (NRP1), may help the virus reach areas such as the olfactory system and nearby blood vessels. Other receptors, including CD147 and DPP4, probably do not act as main entry points for the vi...