The role of red blood cells in Long Covid: a SANS and NSE study
A dramatic consequence of the Covid-19 pandemic is the emergence of Long Covid (LC). This syndrome includes, amongst other symptoms, shortness of breath, memory loss and, most prominently, a debilitating, chronic fatigue (CF). One important factor contributing to LC/CF appears to be the structure and dynamics of red blood cells (RBCs). Evidence suggests that the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein can induce the formation of RBC aggregates and increase the membrane stiffness of RBCs. This compromises the ability of RBCs to transport oxygen to vital organs, offering a potential explanation for some LC symptoms. However, a comprehensive, quantitative study of these effects is still missing and is therefore the topic of this proposal. We wish to investigate the effects of Spike on RBC structure and membrane dynamics using small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) and neutron spin-echo (NSE). In addition, the therapeutic influence of heparin on the effects that Spike has on RBC will be investigated. Since post-viral complications have also been demonstrated for infections with viruses other than SARS-CoV-2, this proposal is strong medical and societal interest, even beyond Long Covid.
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MATSARSKAIA Olga; CZAKKEL Orsolya; GRAF VON WESTARP Igor; Julio M. Pusterla and Andreas M. Stadler. (2023). The role of red blood cells in Long Covid: a SANS and NSE study. Institut Laue-Langevin (ILL) doi:10.5291/ILL-DATA.8-03-1061
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