UCLA Study Reveals Hidden COVID Protein's Role in Long COVID and Cardiac Complications
Researchers at UCLA have discovered that the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein can amplify inflammatory signals in macrophages, potentially contributing to long COVID and cardiac complications. Published in Science Advances, the study led by virologist Melody Li found that this protein, less known than the spike protein, can push the immune system into overdrive. The nucleocapsid protein's interaction with macrophages can weaken blood-vessel barriers, particularly in the heart, suggesting a mechanism for COVID-19's severe effects. The study highlights the protein's dual role in suppressing early antiviral defenses while promoting inflammation. 
