Preprint Microbiota-derived extracellular vesicles link intestinal dysbiosis to neuroimmune activation in long COVID, 2026, Aranguren et al.

[SNT Gatchaman]

Microbiota-derived extracellular vesicles link intestinal dysbiosis to neuroimmune activation in long COVID

Spoiler: Authors

Matheus Aranguren; Kim Doyon-Laliberte; Idia Boncheva; Alexandre Villard; Alehandra Desjardins; Emma Darbinian; Suhani Patel; Charlotte DuSablon; Estefania Rivera Conde; Diana Cabrera Munoz; Ludhovik Purchase; Valerio Ec Piscopo; Aeshah Alluli; Faiza Benaliouad; Julien Sirois; Thomas Durcan; Chantal Masse; Kodjovi Dodji Mlaga; Prabha Chandrasekaran; Johanne Poudrier; Emilia Liana Falcone

Post COVID-19 condition (Long COVID, LC) is frequently accompanied by persistent neurological symptoms, but the mechanisms linking intestinal dysbiosis to neuroinflammation remain unclear.

Here we identify gut microbiota-derived extracellular vesicles (GMEVs) as functional mediators linking LC-associated dysbiosis to systemic and neuroimmune inflammation. In a longitudinally characterized cohort, individuals with LC and neurological symptoms exhibit a persistent intestinal microbiome signature.

Transplantation of LC-associated microbiota into germ-free mice induces intestinal barrier disruption and neuroinflammatory phenotypes. GMEVs from individuals with LC activate inflammasome-associated programs and impair epithelial barrier function, promote inflammatory responses in macrophages, and induce coordinated pro-inflammatory transcriptional programs in human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived microglia. Chronic oral administration of LC-derived GMEVs remodels the microbiota and induces intestinal and systemic inflammation with glial activation in vivo.

Together, these findings support a vesicle-centered framework in which microbiota-derived extracellular vesicles translate dysbiosis into sustained immune and neuroimmune activation in a post-viral inflammatory state.

Web | DOI | PDF | Preprint: BioRxiv | Open Access

 

[V.R.T.]

I have some gut issues (diagnosed with SIBO last year but haven't done treatment because the doctor who diagnosed me wanted me to take things like activated charcoal and a thousand supplements - every appointment he changed what medications he would prescribe me). When my gut issues are flaring, as they were this morning, my PEM is worse, including coughing (possibly from acid reflux), sneezing, runny nose and flu like sensations. When my gut settles the symptoms seem to subside. Perhaps it is the reverse of how I've put it there but there seems to be a connection.