A study by researchers from Boston University, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and New York University has identified lasting damage to the dorsal root ganglia caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection, which is linked to symptoms of Post-COVID Conditions, or Long COVID. The research revealed that thousands of genes related to neurodegeneration and pain pathways are affected even after the virus is cleared. In experimental models, increasing sensory sensitivity was noted over time post-infection, indicating a distinct mechanism through which SARS-CoV-2 induces chronic pain. While COVID-19 presents a range of symptoms, including respiratory issues and sensory disturbances, many patients experience persistent sensory problems after recovery. The findings underscore a significant need for targeted therapies to address these long-lasting effects. Corresponding author Venetia Zachariou emphasized the importance of therapeutic strategies tailored to the unique molecular pathways associated with SARS-CoV-2. The researchers advocate for utilizing this data to explore new treatments for somatosensory symptoms related to Long COVID and other conditions like chronic fatigue syndrome. The study’s results, published in Science Signaling, aim to enhance our understanding of the virus’s impact and inform future therapeutic approaches.
