SARS-CoV-2 targets pericytes to restrict blood flow within the brain.

Together, the data show convincingly that Ang-II activation of pericyte AT1R causes capillary constriction (it remains possible that Ang-II activation of non-vascular AT1R cells may also contribute). Ang-II signalling via AT1R is normally balanced by counter-regulatory AT2R signalling and ACE-2 mediated conversion of Ang-II to Ang-(1-7) resulting in counter-regulatory MasR signalling. Graph: Figure 1 SARS-CoV-2 impairs cerebral blood flow by potentiating Ang-II-mediated pericyte-induced capillary constriction following internalization of ACE-2. [Extracted from the article]