Nerve Growth Factor and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in COVID-19

Overview

Journal Biology (Basel)

Publisher MDPI

Specialty Biology

Date 2024 Nov 27

PMID 39596862

Authors

Carla Petrella

Giampiero Ferraguti

Luigi Tarani

Francesca Tarani

Marisa Patrizia Messina

Marco Fiore

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Neurotrophins (NTs) constitute a family of small protein messengers that play a fundamental role in both the central and peripheral nervous systems. In particular, the nerve growth factor (NGF) and the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) play a subtle role in the survival, differentiation, and functioning of neuronal populations, as well as in the fine regulation of immune functions. The SARS-CoV-2 infection was characterized by a sequela of symptoms (serious respiratory pathology, inflammatory storm, neurological discomfort, up to the less serious flu-like symptoms), which caused, at the end of 2023, more than 7 million deaths worldwide. Despite the official end of the pandemic, the physical and psychological consequences are currently the object of scientific research, both acute and chronic/long-lasting (Long-COVID-19). Given the multifactorial nature of the outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 infection in adults and children, several studies have investigated the potential involvement of the NGF and BDNF systems in the pathology. This narrative review aims to summarize the most recent evidence on this crucial topic.

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