Brain corticogenesis promotes SARS-CoV-2 neuro-glial tropism through lipid-dependent viral replication.

Abstract

While extensive research has examined the neuroinvasiveness of SARS-CoV-2, its relationship with brain maturation remains unclear. Using a multi-omics approach, we established cerebral organoid (CBO) at day 60 (EB60) and day 120 (EB120) to model immature and mature developmental stages. We found that enhanced corticogenesis and gliogenesis during maturation are associated with substantial alterations in lipid metabolism, functionally linking these processes to coordinated molecular and functional brain development. Leveraging this model, we provide the first quantitative insights into long-term viral propagation kinetics up to 20 days post-infection, revealing significantly higher infectivity in mature CBOs. Single-cell transcriptomics, RT-qPCR, and immunohistochemistry revealed the upregulation of lipid-associated genes in EB120, suggesting a key driver of increased susceptibility. Consistently, pharmacological lipid reduction attenuated SARS-CoV-2 infection. Our findings establish a mechanistic link between intrinsic brain maturation and viral susceptibility mediated by lipid remodeling, suggesting lipid-lowering strategies as potential candidates for therapeutic repurposing in COVID-19.