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The trinity of COVID-19: immunity, inflammation and intervention
Matthew Zirui Tay1, Chek Meng Poh1, Laurent Rénia2,3
1Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Biopolis, Singapore, Singapore.
Abstract:
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the causative agent of the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Alongside investigations into the virology of SARS-CoV-2, understanding the fundamental physiological and immunological processes underlying the clinical manifestations of COVID-19 is vital for the identification and rational design of effective therapies. Here, we provide an overview of the pathophysiology of SARS-CoV-2 infection. We describe the interaction of SARS-CoV-2 with the immune system and the subsequent contribution of dysfunctional immune responses to disease progression. From nascent reports describing SARS-CoV-2, we make inferences on the basis of the parallel pathophysiological and immunological features of the other human coronaviruses targeting the lower respiratory tract - severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV). Finally, we highlight the implications of these approaches for potential therapeutic interventions that target viral infection and/or immunoregulation.
Insights
This study overviews severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pathophysiology and immune interactions in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Understanding these processes informs the development of targeted therapies for COVID-19.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Pathophysiology
Background:
- Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Understanding COVID-19 pathophysiology and immune responses is crucial for effective therapy development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of SARS-CoV-2 pathophysiology.
- To describe SARS-CoV-2 interactions with the immune system.
- To infer COVID-19 mechanisms from related human coronaviruses (SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV).
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of existing research on SARS-CoV-2.
- Comparative analysis of pathophysiological and immunological features of SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV, and MERS-CoV.
- Inferences drawn from early reports on SARS-CoV-2.
Main Results:
- SARS-CoV-2 infection involves complex interactions with the host immune system.
- Dysfunctional immune responses contribute significantly to COVID-19 disease progression.
- Pathophysiological similarities exist between SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV, and MERS-CoV infections.
Conclusions:
- A comprehensive understanding of SARS-CoV-2 pathophysiology and immunology is vital.
- Therapeutic strategies may target viral infection and/or host immunoregulation.
- Comparative analysis with SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV aids in understanding COVID-19 mechanisms.
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