Therapeutic implications of SARS-CoV-2 dysregulation of the gut-brain-lung axis

Figure 3 Potential mechanisms by which severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 dysregulates the gut-brain axis. Side by side comparisons of the gut-brain-lung axis in a healthy state vs a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) exposed state. In a healthy state, commensal bacteria outcompete pathogens within the gut micro-environment leading to a predominantly anti-inflammatory state. Peptides released by commensal gut bacteria support optimal brain and lung function. During SARS-CoV-2 infection, gut microbial dysbiosis dysregulates gut, lung, and brain function. SARS-CoV-2: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2; BBB: Blood-brain barrier; AM: Alveolar macrophages; SCFA: Short-chain fatty acids; T-regs: T regulatory cells.