Innate and adaptive immune responses against coronavirus

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Immunology
• Public Health

Background:

• Coronaviruses (CoVs), a family of positive-sense single-stranded RNA viruses, represent a significant global public health concern.
• Both innate and adaptive immune responses are critical for clearing CoV infections.
• Dysregulated immune responses can exacerbate acute lung injury and immunopathology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and update the understanding of host innate and adaptive immune responses against major human coronaviruses.
• To highlight the critical role of immune system interactions in CoV pathogenesis and potential therapeutic strategies.

Main Methods:

• This study is a review article.
• It synthesizes current knowledge on host-CoV interactions.
• Focuses on SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and SARS-CoV-2.

Main Results:

• Coronaviruses trigger complex innate and adaptive immune cascades.
• Effective viral clearance depends on a balanced immune response.
• Uncontrolled inflammation driven by immune overreaction leads to severe lung damage.

Conclusions:

• A comprehensive understanding of the interplay between coronaviruses and host immunity is essential for therapeutic development.
• Targeting immune pathways may offer novel treatment strategies for CoV infections.
• This review provides insights into immune responses against SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and SARS-CoV-2.