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Updated: Nov 5, 2025
Live Imaging and Quantification of Viral Infection in K18 hACE2 Transgenic Mice Using Reporter-Expressing Recombinant SARS-CoV-2
Published on: November 5, 2021
SARS-CoV-2 cell entry and targeted antiviral development
Zinuo Chen1, Ruikun Du1,2,3, Jazmin M Galvan Achi4
1College of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, China.
Abstract:
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the causative agent of the pandemic coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which threatens human health and public safety. In the urgent campaign to develop anti-SARS-CoV-2 therapies, the initial entry step is one of the most appealing targets. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of SARS-CoV-2 cell entry, and the development of targeted antiviral strategies. Moreover, we speculate upon future directions toward next-generation of SARS-CoV-2 entry inhibitors during the upcoming post-pandemic era.
Insights
This review summarizes SARS-CoV-2 cell entry mechanisms and antiviral strategies. It discusses developing next-generation inhibitors for future pandemic preparedness against COVID-19.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
- Drug Discovery
Background:
- Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Understanding viral entry is crucial for developing effective therapies.
- The initial cell entry step is a key target for antiviral interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on SARS-CoV-2 cell entry.
- To summarize the development of antiviral strategies targeting viral entry.
- To explore future directions for next-generation SARS-CoV-2 entry inhibitors.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of SARS-CoV-2 cell entry mechanisms.
- Analysis of current antiviral strategies targeting SARS-CoV-2.
- Speculative outlook on future inhibitor development.
Main Results:
- Detailed summary of SARS-CoV-2 cell entry pathways.
- Overview of established and emerging antiviral therapies.
- Identification of potential targets for future inhibitor design.
Conclusions:
- Targeting SARS-CoV-2 cell entry is a promising therapeutic approach.
- Continued research is needed to develop novel entry inhibitors.
- Future strategies should focus on broad-spectrum inhibitors for pandemic preparedness.
