# Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis in Long-COVID Scenario and the Therapeutic Potential of the Purinergic System in Neuromodulation

## TL;DR

This paper explores how ALS might be linked to long-COVID and suggests that modulating the purinergic system could help treat the disease.

## Contribution

The paper introduces the purinergic system as a potential therapeutic target for ALS in the context of long-COVID.

## Key findings

- SARS-CoV-2 infection may accelerate neuroinflammation in ALS patients.
- Modulation of P2X7, P2X4, and A2AR receptors could influence ALS progression.
- The purinergic system offers a novel approach to improve ALS treatment outcomes.

## Abstract

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) involves the degeneration of motor neurons and debilitating and possibly fatal symptoms. The COVID-19 pandemic directly affected the quality of life of this group, and the SARS-CoV-2 infection accelerated the present neuroinflammatory process. Furthermore, studies indicate that the infection may have led to the development of the pathology. Thus, the scenario after this pandemic presents “long-lasting COVID” as a disease that affects people who have been infected. From this perspective, studying the pathophysiology behind ALS associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection and possible supporting therapies becomes necessary when we understand the impact on the quality of life of these patients. Thus, the purinergic system was trained to demonstrate how its modulation can add to the treatment, reduce disease progression, and result in better prognoses. From our studies, we highlight the P2X7, P2X4, and A2AR receptors and how their activity can directly influence the ALS pathway.