SARS-CoV-2 spike protein induces endothelial dysfunction in 3D engineered vascular networks.
bioRxiv
; 2022 Oct 03.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-36238721
ABSTRACT
With new daily discoveries about the long-term impacts of COVID-19 there is a clear need to develop in vitro models that can be used to better understand the pathogenicity and impact of COVID-19. Here we demonstrate the utility of developing a model of endothelial dysfunction that utilizes induced pluripotent stem cell-derived endothelial progenitors encapsulated in collagen hydrogels to study the effects of COVID-19 on the endothelium. We found that treating these cell-laden hydrogels with SARS-CoV-2 spike protein resulted in a significant decrease in the number of vessel-forming cells as well as vessel network connectivity. Following treatment with the anti-inflammatory drug dexamethasone, we were able to prevent SARS-CoV-2 spike protein-induced endothelial dysfunction. In addition, we confirmed release of inflammatory cytokines associated with the COVID-19 cytokine storm. In conclusion, we have demonstrated that even in the absence of immune cells, we are able to use this 3D in vitro model for angiogenesis to reproduce COVID-19 induced endothelial dysfunction seen in clinical settings.
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Language:
En
Journal:
BioRxiv
Year:
2022
Document type:
Article