Skip to main content
. 2021 Dec 15;135(24):2667–2689. doi: 10.1042/CS20210735

Figure 11. The SARS-CoV-2 S protein alters cardiac PC function.

Figure 11

Schematic summary of the research. We hypothesise that in patients with acute COVID-19, S protein molecules are cleaved from the virus particle and released from the respiratory system into the bloodstream. Through the circulation, isolated S protein reaches all organs of the body, including the heart. Here, the interaction of the S protein with the CD147 receptor on cardiac PCs triggers the ERK1/2 signalling (A) and provokes PC dysfunction, including increased cell motility (B) and decreased cooperation with coronary ECs during angiogenesis. (C). In addition, the S protein–CD147 interaction prompts cardiac PCs to release pro-apoptotic factors, which cause EC death (D). Finally, through a mechanism CD147-independent, the S protein induces PCs to release pro-inflammatory cytokines, which include MCP1, IL-6, IL-1β, and TNFα (E). These cytokines can damage neighbouring cardiomyocytes and activate ECs, potentially triggering blood clotting and increasing vascular permeability. This drawing was created with Biorender.com.