New research conducted at the University of Malta may have uncovered a potential cause for the lingering symptoms experienced by individuals with long COVID-19. The study, published in the scientific journal BBA Molecular Basis of Disease, offers new insights and paves the way for strategies to address the long-term complications of the viral infection.
Long COVID-19, characterized by ongoing fatigue, shortness of breath, concentration difficulties, and muscle weakness, affects approximately one in three individuals who have recovered from the initial infection. Despite its prevalence and impact on daily life, the origins of long COVID have remained elusive.
The SARS-CoV-2 virus responsible for COVID-19 targets the ACE2 (angiotensin-converting enzyme 2) receptor, which serves as the entry point for the virus to infect cells. In order to study the effects of reduced ACE2 levels, researchers at the University of Malta conducted a groundbreaking study using fruit flies. The depletion of ACE2 in these organisms resulted in fatigue and decreased mobility, providing a potential clue to the neuromuscular issues observed in long COVID patients.
“Our research clearly shows that depletion of ACE2 is central to the neuromuscular complications experienced by a significant percentage of COVID-19 patients,” stated Professor Ruben Cauchi, head of the Motor Neuron Disease Laboratory at the University of Malta.
The study, which began during the height of the pandemic and shifted focus to address the global emergency, yielded compelling findings. By examining organisms with downregulated ACE2 levels, the researchers discovered a breakdown in communication between nerves and muscles, with crucial molecules required for proper messaging compromised.
Multiple factors are thought to contribute to the reduction of ACE2 levels or the dampening of its function following a coronavirus infection. In addition to being targeted by the virus itself, ACE2 can also be attacked by autoantibodies, leading the immune system to attack the body similar to what occurs in Multiple Sclerosis. Furthermore, reports have indicated the persistence of the virus long after the initial infection.
The University of Malta’s discovery sheds light on the lasting impact of COVID-19 infection and opens the door for the development of therapeutic approaches to address chronically debilitating complications.
The study was funded by the Malta Council for Science and Technology, emphasizing the importance of continued investment in research and understanding the long-term effects of COVID-19.