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COVID-19: The Immune Responses and Clinical Therapy Candidates
Sareh Zhand1,2, Marie Saghaeian Jazi3,4, Saeed Mohammadi4,5
1School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia.
Abstract:
The pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), with rising numbers of patients worldwide, presents an urgent need for effective treatments. To date, there are no therapies or vaccines that are proven to be effective against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Several potential candidates or repurposed drugs are under investigation, including drugs that inhibit SARS-CoV-2 replication and block infection. The most promising therapy to date is remdesivir, which is US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved for emergency use in adults and children hospitalized with severe suspected or laboratory-confirmed COVID-19. Herein we summarize the general features of SARS-CoV-2's molecular and immune pathogenesis and discuss available pharmacological strategies, based on our present understanding of SARS-CoV and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infections. Finally, we outline clinical trials currently in progress to investigate the efficacy of potential therapies for COVID-19.
Insights
Effective treatments for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are urgently needed. This review discusses SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis and pharmacological strategies, including the promising remdesivir therapy.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic necessitates effective treatments against SARS-CoV-2.
- No definitive therapies or vaccines are currently available for SARS-CoV-2.
- Understanding viral pathogenesis is key to developing treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize SARS-CoV-2 molecular and immune pathogenesis.
- To discuss current pharmacological strategies for COVID-19 treatment.
- To outline ongoing clinical trials for COVID-19 therapies.
Main Methods:
- Review of scientific literature on SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV, and MERS-CoV.
- Analysis of molecular and immune pathogenesis mechanisms.
- Compilation of data on existing and investigational pharmacological treatments.
Main Results:
- Remdesivir is a promising FDA-approved emergency use therapy for severe COVID-19.
- Various drugs inhibiting viral replication and infection are under investigation.
- Clinical trials are evaluating the efficacy of multiple therapeutic candidates.
Conclusions:
- Pharmacological strategies are being developed based on viral pathogenesis.
- Remdesivir shows promise, but further research and trials are ongoing.
- A comprehensive understanding of SARS-CoV-2 is crucial for advancing COVID-19 treatment options.
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