Disruption of the hypothalamic orexin system links SARS-CoV-2 infection to persistent cortical neuronal pathology
Gun Young Yoon, Young-Chul Jeong, Jihyun Choi, Yoon Ha, Se Yeon Seo, Keun Bon Ku, Do Yeon Kim, Woo Yeon Hwang, Gi Uk Jeong, Dae‐Gyun Ahn, Kyun‐Do Kim, Je‐Keun Rhee, Won-Ho Shin, Young‐Chan Kwon
This study shows SARS-CoV-2 causes lasting cortical neuronal injury and hypothalamic orexin dysfunction, linking it to Long COVID neurological symptoms.
bioRxiv · Jan 23, 2026 · PreprintMicrobiology