Prevention of SARS-CoV2 (COVID-19) related CoV Spike protein neuroinvasion and -induced respiratory distress by polyphenols
In this research, we propose to demonstrate the concept that polyphenols can inhibit interactions between the proteins of SARS-CoV-2 and thus inhibit the harmful effects of the virus. In addition, as the evidence accumulates on the invasion of SARS-CoV-2 in the nervous system and thus affect the brain, we propose to study the effects of the proteins of SARS-CoV-2 at the level of the respiratory center and the preventive effect of polyphenols. To do this, we propose to use a multidisciplinary approach based on theoretical (molecular modeling), experimental (DLS, SPR, real time visualization of polyphenol-protein complexes) methods to better understand the physicochemical interactions between proteins and phenolic ligands. The results of these theoretical and experimental approaches will be completed on biological models, of the ganglia of the dorsal root of the cerebral respiratory center. First, the toxic effects of the proteins of SARS-CoV-2 will be studied on these ganglia, then the protective effects following the interaction of these proteins with polyphenols. The results of this study will allow to acquire new knowledge on the harmful effects of SARS-CoV-2 on respiratory problems, to demonstrate and identify polyphenols having a protective potential vis-à-vis SARS-CoV-2. These results will open multiple perspectives both on the study of neuroinvasive mechanisms and on the development of treatments against SARS-CoV-2.
