Effect of SARS-CoV-2 on reconstituted ApoA-I based HDLs’ function based on its cargo composition

The COVID19 pandemics and massive worldwide vaccination demonstrated the lack of understanding in the interactions between exogenous proteins in the body. In particular, association, binding and complexation with key components present in the blood streams must be understood as they have profound effects on our metabolism and health. One such example is that of lipoproteins with focus on high density lipoprotein (HDL). HDL most known function is reverse cholesterol transport, but it is also related to tissue repairmen, antioxidant and antiinflammatory capacity. We showed that the SARS-CoV2 Spike protein binds to it and removes lipids, changing its functionality. We proposed that selective removal of lipids such as cholesterol and linoleic acid leads to changes in HDL structure and properties. In this experiment, we plan to demonstrate this hypothesis using models of HDL with simplified lipid composition and model membranes as measured by neutron reflection.