(It is well known to have COVID-19 (new coronavirus infectious disease) It may affect your sense of smell, but your sense of smell may not return to normal. Now, new research explains why.
of SARS-CoV-2 A new study shows that the infection causes an ongoing immune system attack on nerve cells in the nose, after which the number of those nerve cells decreases, making people unable to smell and sniff as they normally would. increase.
The study not only answers the question that has puzzled experts, it may also help us understand long covid Also why some people can’t fully recover from COVID-19.
“Fortunately, many people whose sense of smell has been altered during the acute phase of viral infection will have their sense of smell restored within the next week or two, but some people may not. Neurobiologist Bradley Goldstein says From Duke University, North Carolina.
“We need a better understanding of why this subset of people continues to experience persistent odor loss for months to years after being infected with SARS-CoV-2.”
The team examined nasal tissue samples (olfactory epithelium) from 24 individuals. This sample includes nine of her who lost their sense of smell long-term after being infected with COVID-19. This tissue holds neurons that detect odors.
After a detailed analysis, researchers observed a widespread presence of T cells, a type of white blood cell that helps the body fight infection.These T cells trigger an inflammatory response in the nose. was
however, many other biological responsesT cells clearly do more harm than good, damaging olfactory epithelial tissue.
“The findings are astonishing.” goldstein says“It’s almost like a sort of autoimmune-like process in the nose.”
Study participants who lost their sense of smell had fewer olfactory neurons, but the researchers report that some neurons appear to be able to repair themselves even after T-cell attack. is a sign.
Researchers believe that similar inflammatory biological mechanisms may be behind other long-lasting symptoms of COVID, such as excessive fatigue, shortness of breath, and “brain fog” that makes it difficult to concentrate. suggests.
Next, the team would like to look in more detail at which specific tissue areas are damaged and what types of cells are involved. It will pave the way for the development of effective treatments.
“We hope that by modulating aberrant immune responses and repair processes in the noses of these patients, we can help restore, at least in part, their sense of smell.” goldstein says.
This research Science Translational Medicine.
