Longitudinal analysis reveals myeloid cell contributions to murine neuroPASC pathogenesis

Abstract

Neurological and neuropsychiatric symptoms, collectively termed neuroPASC, are among the most prevalent Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC). Neuroinflammation – particularly microglia reactivity – has been implicated in neuroPASC. We previously established a PASC model in which SARS-CoV-2-infected mice developed persistent behavior alterations and prolonged neuroinflammation for up to 120 days post-infection (dpi). Here, we extend these results to a longitudinal single-cell RNA sequencing analysis of brain immune cells collected at 0, 6, 30, and 100 dpi. We identify a coordinated contribution of infiltrating and resident myeloid cells to the initiation and persistence of neuroinflammation. In specific, microglia display sustained expansion of subclusters characterized by inflammatory, stress response, and metabolic signatures. Border-associated macrophages upregulate monocyte attractants during acute infection. Concurrently, peripherally derived monocytes and neutrophils mount transient inflammatory responses, potentially triggering long-term microglial reactivity. Together, these findings provide a high-resolution atlas of brain myeloid immune dynamics during neuroPASC and highlight a central role for microglia in sustaining chronic neuroinflammation. While prolonged neuroinflammation is considered a hallmark of Post Acute Sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC), its basis is poorly understood. The authors here manifest infiltration of peripheral myeloid cells during acute infection and prolonged microglial activation in mice with PASC, potentially contributing to neurological abnormalities.