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Immunopathogenesis of COVID-19: Summary and Possible Interventions

Francois Henri Jacques¹, Erik Apedaile¹

¹Clinique Neuro-Outaouais, Gatineau, QC, Canada.

Frontiers in Immunology

|October 19, 2020

Abstract:

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in the fall of 2019 over 4 million people have been infected and over 280,000 have died (1). Information about the SARS-CoV2 virus is evolving rapidly. At this time there are no interventions proven to be effective for cases infected with SARS-CoV2. Current knowledge about the clinical and laboratory manifestations of COVID-19 infection is reviewed and combined with knowledge about the immunopathogenic mechanisms of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (SARS-CoV1) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) to formulate theories and suggest possible therapeutic interventions. SARS-CoV2 immunopathogenic mechanisms vary from immunosuppression that initially enables viral escape to a hyperinflammatory immune response. Ultimately therapeutic intervention will be phase dependent.

Insights

This review examines the evolving understanding of COVID-19, including its clinical features and immunopathogenesis. It suggests that therapeutic interventions for SARS-CoV-2 infection should be phase-dependent.

Area of Science:

Infectious Diseases
Immunology
Virology

Background:

The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, has led to millions of infections and deaths globally.
Rapidly evolving information necessitates a comprehensive review of current knowledge.
No definitive interventions are currently proven effective for SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the clinical and laboratory manifestations of COVID-19.
To combine current knowledge with immunopathogenic mechanisms of related coronaviruses (SARS-CoV-1 and MERS).
To formulate theories and suggest potential therapeutic interventions for COVID-19.

Main Methods:

Literature review of clinical and laboratory findings in COVID-19.
Integration of knowledge on the immunopathogenesis of SARS-CoV-1 and MERS.
Theoretical formulation of SARS-CoV-2 immunopathogenic mechanisms.

Main Results:

SARS-CoV-2 infection exhibits complex immunopathogenic mechanisms.
These mechanisms range from initial immunosuppression facilitating viral escape to a subsequent hyperinflammatory immune response.
Understanding these phases is crucial for effective treatment.

Conclusions:

Therapeutic strategies for COVID-19 must consider the dynamic, phase-dependent nature of the immune response.
Further research into SARS-CoV-2 immunopathogenesis is critical for developing targeted interventions.
A nuanced approach to treatment, tailored to the disease stage, is recommended.

Read full analysis

Keywords:

COVID-19 hyperinflammation immunology immunosuppression intervention

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