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Published on: February 28, 2021
Update on Immunology of COVID-19 Disease and Potential Strategy for Controlling
Neda K Dezfuli1,2, Ian M Adcock3, Nooshin Montazami4
1Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract:
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by a novel form of the coronavirus that caused severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). SARS-CoV-2 raised in China and has broadcast to 261 countries globally. SARS-CoV-2 a member of β-coronavirus family and has an almost matching genome sequence to a bat coronavirus, pointing to the bat as the natural host before it was transmitted to humans. SARS-CoV-2 uses the same receptor, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) as that used by SARS-CoV and principally infects the respiratory tract. The clinical symptoms of COVID-19 patients include fever, cough and fatigue whilst small populations of patients have gastrointestinal symptoms. The old people and people with underlying metabolic and cardiovascular diseases are more affected to infection and have worse outcomes. These may be associated with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and a cytokine storm. In this review, we discuss the pathogenesis and clinical characteristics of disease and the pharmacologic approaches that may control COVID-19.
Insights
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes COVID-19, originating in bats and spreading globally. This review covers SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis, clinical features, and potential treatments.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a global pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2, a novel beta-coronavirus.
- The virus likely originated in bats, sharing genomic similarities with bat coronaviruses, and has spread to 261 countries.
- SARS-CoV-2 utilizes the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor for cellular entry, primarily infecting the respiratory tract.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
- To describe the clinical characteristics of COVID-19 patients.
- To discuss potential pharmacologic strategies for controlling COVID-19.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of scientific articles on SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19.
- Analysis of epidemiological data on global spread.
- Synthesis of information on viral mechanisms and clinical manifestations.
Main Results:
- Common clinical symptoms include fever, cough, and fatigue; some patients experience gastrointestinal issues.
- Older adults and individuals with metabolic or cardiovascular diseases face higher risks and worse outcomes.
- Severe cases may involve acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and cytokine storm.
Conclusions:
- Understanding SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis and clinical presentation is crucial for effective management.
- Targeting viral entry and host responses offers potential therapeutic avenues.
- Continued research into pharmacologic approaches is vital for controlling the COVID-19 pandemic.
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