Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 21, 2026
05:23
Visualization of SARS-CoV-2 using Immuno RNA-Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization
Published on: December 23, 2020
6.3K
Perspectives About Modulating Host Immune System in Targeting SARS-CoV-2 in India
Sreyashi Majumdar1, Rohit Verma2, Avishek Saha3
1Division of Bioinformatics, Bose Institute, Kolkata, India.
Frontiers in Genetics
|March 5, 2021
Summary
This review examines COVID-19 outcomes in India, comparing urban and rural disparities. It explores the role of immunity, comorbidities, and nutrition, and discusses alternative strategies beyond vaccines for disease containment.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
Background:
- Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 requires global containment.
- India's large, young population and high prevalence of comorbidities (diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease) pose unique challenges.
- Vaccine efficacy in India is uncertain due to socioeconomic diversity and potential short-lived immunity, necessitating alternative strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze COVID-19 death/infection ratios in urban versus rural India.
- To investigate the influence of the immune system, comorbidities, and nutritional status on COVID-19 mortality.
- To explore alternative containment strategies, including masks, diagnostics, host-directed therapies, and leveraging India's unique strengths.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature and data on COVID-19 infection and mortality rates in India.
- Analysis of factors influencing disease outcomes, including demographic, clinical, and nutritional aspects.
- Exploration of potential therapeutic and preventative strategies, including drug development and public health interventions.
Main Results:
- Significant differences in COVID-19 death/infection ratios between urban and rural India are observed.
- Immune status, comorbidities, and nutritional factors likely play a crucial role in determining patient outcomes.
- India possesses unique resources, such as medicinal plants and IT infrastructure, that can be leveraged for disease control.
Conclusions:
- Alternative strategies beyond vaccination are essential for managing COVID-19 in India.
- A multi-faceted approach considering immune status, comorbidities, nutrition, and leveraging national strengths is recommended.
- Public health measures and targeted interventions are critical for effective containment across diverse Indian populations.
Keywords:
CT scansSARS-CoV-2artificial intelligencegenetic variationshost immuno-modulationmedicinal plantsrepurposed drugsvaccinesMore Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:26Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
The hosts' susceptibility to infection depends on several factors. The integrity of the skin and mucous membranes helps protect the body against microbial attacks. When the skin is altered, the chance of infection, limb loss, and even death increases.
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin create...
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin create...
01:29Immune Response Against Viral Pathogens
The immune system's response to viral infections is a complex and coordinated process involving natural killer (NK) cells, T cell-mediated responses, and antibody-mediated responses.
NK Cells
NK cells are a crucial part of our innate immune system, acting as the first line of defense against viral infections. These cells can recognize and kill infected cells without prior exposure to the virus, effectively slowing down the spread of infection. Additionally, NK cells produce proinflammatory...
NK Cells
NK cells are a crucial part of our innate immune system, acting as the first line of defense against viral infections. These cells can recognize and kill infected cells without prior exposure to the virus, effectively slowing down the spread of infection. Additionally, NK cells produce proinflammatory...
01:29Microorganisms in Medicine and Therapeutics
Microorganisms play a fundamental role in vaccine development, gene therapy, and therapeutic production. Their biological properties are harnessed to advance medicine and public health. Beyond immunization, microorganisms contribute to gut health, antibiotic synthesis, and genetic disease treatment.Live Attenuated and Inactivated VaccinesLive attenuated vaccines, such as the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, utilize weakened forms of pathogens to closely resemble natural infections.
01:26Human Virome
The human body harbors a vast and diverse viral community known as the human virome. The virome includes bacteriophages that infect bacteria, and eukaryotic viruses that infect human cells. Transient dietary and environmental viruses also contribute to this dynamic ecosystem. Estimates suggest the human body may contain on the order of 10¹³ viral particles, though abundance varies widely by body site and detection method.Comprehensive characterization of the virome has become possible only with...
01:29Coronavirus
Coronaviruses, including the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), are enveloped viruses characterized by their single-stranded, positive-sense RNA genome and helical nucleocapsid structure. The hallmark of these viruses is their club-shaped spike (S) glycoproteins that protrude from the viral envelope, facilitating attachment to host cells. Typically, coronaviruses infect the upper respiratory tract, often causing mild or asymptomatic disease. However, certain strains like...
01:30Inhibitors of Viral Protein Synthesis
Protein synthesis is indispensable for viral replication, as viruses lack the cellular machinery required for this process and must hijack the host's translational apparatus. In response, host cells deploy a critical innate immune defense involving interferons, specialized cytokines that play a central role in inhibiting viral propagation.Upon viral detection, infected cells release interferons that bind to receptors on adjacent uninfected cells, activating the JAK-STAT signaling pathway and...