German scientists have found that the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus can enter the organs of vision, as well as infect the photoreceptors and nerve cells of the retina. This is evidenced by the results of the research given in the article in the bioRxiv electronic library. It was conducted by experts from the Max Planck Institute.
It is indicated that scientists exposed cells of the retina of the eye to the effects of SARS-CoV-2. As a result, it turned out that the coronavirus is indeed capable of infecting the cellular structure, and immunofluorescence recorded the presence of SARS-CoV-2 hantavirus proteins in the cells of the retina.
The results of the study demonstrated that there are viral zones in the photoreceptors and nerve cells of the retina. They, in turn, show the breeding site of the coronavirus, the authors believe.
Scientists also suggested that this may be one of the reasons why a number of patients who have undergone a coronavirus infection talk about vision problems.
This kind of phenomenon, as the researchers suggest, may be associated with the influence of SARS-CoV-2 on inflammatory genes, including the mediator of mucosal healing, the cytokine interleukin 33 (IL33). The latter affects the development of retinal inflammation and the degradation of photoreceptors. It is likely that the increased expression of these genes occurs as a result of the body's immune response to infection, scientists say. These genes block the membrane protein angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), reducing retinal cell infection. It turns out that special medications are not needed to treat complications on the organs of vision, but the same antiviral drugs or vaccines that block the ACE2 enzyme are suitable.
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