Exploring SARS-CoV-2 impact on blood-brain barrier and its composition: A review

Inflammatory responses including glial activation, and upregulated inflammatory factors occurred after severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infected central nervous system. Blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption has been implicated in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pathogenesis and may predispose to the long-lasting neurological damage even after the epidemic ends. The BBB is a highly selective dynamic interface to protects the brain from neurotoxins and the elimination of byproducts of brain metabolism via efflux transporters. The COVID-19 pandemic has introduced new challenges in managing neurological conditions, and understanding SARS-CoV-2 journey through BBB and the interconnections between the members of BBB is crucial. This review aims to summarize and elucidate the damage to the main constituent cells of BBB, including brain microvascular endothelial cells, astrocytes, and microglia and its contribution to COVID-19. Further understanding of these interactions may facilitate the development of improved treatment options and preventative measures of central nervous system injury due to COVID-19.