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Updated: Dec 18, 2025
Live Imaging and Quantification of Viral Infection in K18 hACE2 Transgenic Mice Using Reporter-Expressing Recombinant SARS-CoV-2
Published on: November 5, 2021
Fighting COVID-19
D M O Campos1, C B S Oliveira2, J M A Andrade3
1Departamento de Biofísica e Farmacologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brasil.
Abstract:
The current COVID-19 pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV2) poses a threat to global health owing to its high rate of spread and severe forms of respiratory infection. The lack of vaccines and antivirals prevents clinical strategies against the disease, creating an emerging need for the development of safe and effective treatments. Strategies for vaccine development include complete vaccines against viruses, subunits, and nucleic acids, but are still in their early stages. Studies carried out to date on possible SARS-CoV2 drug targets highlight glycoprotein S, Mpro (main protease or protease type 3C), and a member of the transmembrane serine protease II families (TMPRSS2). However, due to the pandemic state, priority is given to marketed drugs. These include chloroquine (CQ), hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), nitazoxanide, remdesivir, Lopinavir/ritonavir (LPV / r), in addition to treatment with convalescent plasma. But, therapeutic specific effects against SARS-CoV2 have not yet been verified. Most of the information obtained about treatment is based on preliminary and limited studies. We conclude that, at this time of emergency, the search for new therapies is more urgent due to the need to save lives. Thus, we point out as interesting targets for future more specific research: glycoprotein S, Mpro, and TMPRSS2.
Insights
The urgent need for effective COVID-19 treatments is critical due to the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic. Research highlights glycoprotein S, Mpro, and TMPRSS2 as promising targets for developing new therapies.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
- Drug Discovery
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, presents a significant global health challenge due to rapid transmission and severe respiratory illness.
- Current therapeutic options are limited, with a lack of approved vaccines and antivirals, necessitating the urgent development of effective treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review potential therapeutic strategies and identify key targets for novel treatments against SARS-CoV-2.
- To emphasize the critical need for accelerated research into safe and effective therapies during the ongoing pandemic.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing studies on SARS-CoV-2 drug targets, including viral proteins and host factors.
- Analysis of currently considered repurposed drugs and emerging therapeutic approaches.
Main Results:
- Key potential targets for SARS-CoV-2 therapies include glycoprotein S, main protease (Mpro), and transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2).
- While several drugs like chloroquine and remdesivir are being investigated, their specific therapeutic effects against SARS-CoV-2 remain unverified.
- Existing treatment information is largely based on preliminary and limited studies.
Conclusions:
- There is an urgent need to develop novel and specific therapies for COVID-19 to save lives.
- Glycoprotein S, Mpro, and TMPRSS2 are identified as crucial targets for future research and development of targeted antiviral treatments.
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