Submission Date

7-22-2021

Document Type

Paper- Restricted to Campus Access

Department

Neuroscience

Faculty Mentor

Jennifer King

Comments

This research was funded by The Athena Institute for Women's Wellness; Scientific Literacy/Reading COVID.

Presented during the 23rd Annual Summer Fellows Symposium, July 23, 2021 at Ursinus College.

Project Description

Microglia are key cells of the brain that when needed can initiate an immune response and clear out pathogens through phagocytosis. Our lab has shown that neuroinflammatory mediators lead to microglia dysfunction and altered phagocytosis activity, but we have not determined if changes are seen with other neuroinflammatory factors. It has recently been found that the S1 subunit of the coronavirus spike protein can cross the blood brain barrier and activates microglia. But it is unknown if this activation leads to changes in the ability for microglia to function properly. Our aim is to conduct initial studies exploring how the S1 glycoprotein affects the normal phagocytic activity of microglia. Our study will provide an insight into the possible impact of the S1 glycoprotein on the central nervous system and its indirect effects on neurons.

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