SARS-CoV-2 Targeting the Retina: Host–virus Interaction and Possible Mechanisms of Viral Tropism

ABSTRACT

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 10 (SARS-CoV-2). Recent studies demonstrated not only retinal impairments but also detected SARS-CoV-2 in the retina of patients with COVID-19.

Purpose: This letter discusses the retinal tropism of SARS-CoV-2, describing possible routes for this coronavirus to reach the retina and cellular mechanisms involved in the retinal cell infection.

Conclusions: Determining how SARS-CoV-2 can affect the retinal tissue is essential for the development of new therapeutic strategies and preventive measures, as well as for understanding the possible relationship between COVID-19 damage to the retina and to the brain.

KEYWORDS:

• Central nervous system
• Covid-19
• eye
• ophthalmology
• retina
• SARS-CoV-2

Acknowledgments

The authors are grateful to Priscilla O. S. Bomfim (Federal Fluminense University) and to Arnaldo P. Andrade for their valuable suggestions in writing this letter.

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflict of interest.