As the world continues to grapple with the effects of COVID-19, researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery regarding one of the virus's lesser-known symptoms: sneezing. The study, led by neurophysiologist Diana Bautista and her team at the University of California, Berkeley, sheds light on how a specific protein of SARS-CoV-2 directly stimulates neurons in respiratory passages, inducing the sneeze reflex.
Sneezing, a protective mechanism that expels irritants and harmful substances from the body, has been considered a byproduct of illness. However, this research challenges that assumption by demonstrating that the viral protein PLpro, abundantly produced by infected cells, plays a direct role in activating sensory neurons associated with sneezing.
The study involved administering PLpro to mice, resulting in a significant increase in sneezing compared to a control group. The rodents exhibited a rapid sneezing response, expelling large quantities of nasal secretions. The researchers also noted implications for other symptoms, such as face and mouth pain, commonly observed in COVID-19 patients.
The findings have broader implications, extending beyond SARS-CoV-2. PLpro from other coronaviruses, including the one causing severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), was found to stimulate sensory neurons as well. The study suggests that various viruses, including those responsible for common colds, may actively trigger sneezing through this protein.
The mechanism by which PLpro activates neurons involves prompting protein channels to allow calcium influx. While the exact receptor targeted by PLpro remains unidentified, the researchers believe their discovery could pave the way for novel treatments to alleviate COVID-19 symptoms and reduce virus transmission.
Neurobiologist Theodore Price of the University of Texas at Dallas commends the study, emphasizing the potential of PLpro as a drug target. Researchers are already exploring compounds to block this protein, and dozens are in preclinical development. However, caution is advised by neuroimmunologist Felipe Ribeiro of Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, who suggests ensuring that blocking sneezing does not inadvertently hinder the recovery process from COVID-19.
As the scientific community delves deeper into understanding the intricacies of SARS-CoV-2 and its impact on the body, this discovery opens new avenues for targeted therapies that not only address symptoms but also contribute to limiting the spread of the virus.
More: https://www.science.org/content/article/why-does-covid-19-make-you-sneeze
