The neuroinvasiveness, neurotropism, and neurovirulence of SARS-CoV-2

Severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is as-sociated with a diverse spectrum of neurological complications during the acute and postacute stages. The pathogenesis of these complications is complex and dependent on many factors. For accurate and consistent interpretation of exper-imental data in this fast-growing field of research, it is essential to use terminol-ogy consistently. In this article, we outline the distinctions between neuroinvasiveness, neurotropism, and neurovirulence. Additionally, we discuss current knowledge of these distinct features underlying the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2-associated neurological complications. Lastly, we briefly discuss the advantages and limitations of different experimental models, and how these approaches can further be leveraged to advance the field.