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Use of the EpiAirway Model for Characterizing Long-term Host-pathogen Interactions
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A Paradigm Gap in Host-Pathogen Interaction Studies: Lesson from the COVID-19 Pandemic
Murugesan Pooranachithra1, Balasubramanian Chellammal Muthubharathi1, Krishnaswamy Balamurugan2
1Department of Biotechnology, Science Campus, Alagappa University, Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu, India.
Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology
|February 9, 2022
Summary
The COVID-19 pandemic revealed significant gaps in understanding host-pathogen interactions (HPIs), especially with comorbidities. New research approaches are crucial for developing effective therapeutics against novel infectious diseases.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
- Microbiology
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted increased SARS-CoV-2 viral load during comorbidities, leading to varied mortality rates.
- This underscores a critical lack of knowledge in host-pathogen interactions (HPIs).
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic regarding HPI research.
- To identify existing gaps and propose new research directions for therapeutic development.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective meta-analysis of literature on "COVID-19 and comorbidity."
- Identification of omitted concepts and emerging research areas in HPI.
Main Results:
- Disparities in HPI during comorbid conditions correlated with poor prognosis and therapeutic failures.
- Infection dynamics (entry, multiplication) varied based on host immune status and comorbidities.
- Limited literature on HPI in comorbid/immune-challenged hosts indicates a research focus gap on host-specific factors.
Conclusions:
- Current understanding of HPI is insufficient for combating novel infections like COVID-19.
- New approaches are essential to understand HPI for future pandemic preparedness.
- Development of novel immunogenic/nutraceutical therapeutics is recommended.
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