Threading the Pieces Together: Integrative Perspective on SARS-CoV-2.

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Genomics
• Epidemiology
• Immunology

Background:

• The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has generated vast, multi-faceted data.
• COVID-19 presents complex disease phenotypes, ranging from asymptomatic to severe, influenced by host genetics and comorbidities.
• Existing research spans clinical data, viral genomics, host transcriptomics, metagenomics, and global mortality patterns.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and integrate diverse research findings on SARS-CoV-2.
• To provide a comprehensive overview facilitating global researchers' response to the pandemic.
• To address the need for an integrative approach to understand the multifaceted nature of SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature review across multiple scientific domains.
• Integration of data from clinical, genomic, transcriptomic, and metagenomic studies.
• Synthesis of information on disease phenotypes, comorbidities, and outcomes.

Main Results:

• The pandemic has produced extensive literature on SARS-CoV-2, covering its origins, transmission, and impact.
• COVID-19 outcomes are highly variable and influenced by host factors and co-infections.
• An integrative approach is crucial for understanding the complex interplay of variables affecting disease severity and mortality.

Conclusions:

• An integrated approach is essential to consolidate knowledge and accelerate research on SARS-CoV-2.
• This review consolidates diverse data domains to support global scientific efforts against the pandemic.
• Understanding the heterogeneity of COVID-19 requires synthesizing information across clinical, genetic, and environmental factors.