Figure 1.

Pathways present in SARS-CoV-2 infection in the neuronal environment and their influence. Recent studies have shown that SARS-CoV-2 infection has the potential to break the BBB. This process stimulates the activation of M2 microglia, which are responsible for mediating inflammatory responses. Pathways and mediators such as the purinergic receptors P2X and PSY, the TREM2 receptor, the ROCK2, MAPK, and NF-κB pathways, together with the overexpression of the SOD1 gene, actively participate in this process through the release of essential cytokines such as IFN-γ, IL-1β, and TNF-α. This set can result in inflammation and neuronal death.