Insights on the role of TLR-4 in neuroinflammation: a hint on COVID-19 relationship

Elshafey, Salma A.; El-Khouly, Dalia; Menze, Esther T.; Tadros, Mariane G.

doi:10.21608/aps.2023.231700.1133

Insights on the role of TLR-4 in neuroinflammation: a hint on COVID-19 relationship

Document Type : Review Article

Authors

¹ Egyptian Drug Authority, Giza, Egypt.

² Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ahram Canadian University, 6th of October City, Giza, Egypt.

³ Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain-Shams University, Cairo 11566, Egypt.

10.21608/aps.2023.231700.1133

Abstract

Neuroinflammation plays a crucial role in cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's. Within the central nervous system, microglia express Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4) abundantly, which prompts the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines like TNF-α, PGE2, IL-1β, and NO that are considered essential components of neuroinflammation. The emergence of neurological complications in COVID-19 patients has spurred investigations into TLR-4's potential involvement. Particularly intriguing is its contribution to the cytokine storms triggered by SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV-1 infections. This comprehensive review investigates the TLR-4-induced neuroinflammation, focusing on its potential connection to cognitive decline and neurological symptoms triggered by COVID-19. By unraveling the intricate mechanisms by which TLR-4 mediates neuroinflammation, this review aims to shed light on its possible role in the context of COVID-19. Understanding the implications of TLR-4 activation could pave the way for targeted interventions to alleviate the cognitive and neurological impacts of COVID-19. As the world seeks to comprehend the far-reaching effects of the pandemic, grasping the nuances of TLR-4-associated neuroinflammation stands as a crucial step in addressing the challenges posed by cognitive decline and neurological manifestations in COVID-19 patients.

Keywords