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A comprehensive SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 review, Part 2: host extracellular to systemic effects of SARS-CoV-2
S Anand Narayanan1,2, David A Jamison3, Joseph W Guarnieri3,4
1COVID-19 International Research Team, Medford, MA, 02155, USA. anarayan09@gmail.com.
Abstract:
COVID-19, the disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, has caused significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. The betacoronavirus continues to evolve with global health implications as we race to learn more to curb its transmission, evolution, and sequelae. The focus of this review, the second of a three-part series, is on the biological effects of the SARS-CoV-2 virus on post-acute disease in the context of tissue and organ adaptations and damage. We highlight the current knowledge and describe how virological, animal, and clinical studies have shed light on the mechanisms driving the varied clinical diagnoses and observations of COVID-19 patients. Moreover, we describe how investigations into SARS-CoV-2 effects have informed the understanding of viral pathogenesis and provide innovative pathways for future research on the mechanisms of viral diseases.
Insights
This review examines the biological effects of SARS-CoV-2 on post-acute COVID-19, focusing on tissue damage and organ adaptations. Understanding these viral pathogenesis mechanisms offers new research avenues for viral diseases.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Pathology
- Immunology
Background:
- COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, presents significant global health challenges due to ongoing viral evolution and diverse sequelae.
- Post-acute COVID-19 involves complex tissue and organ adaptations and damage, necessitating a deeper understanding of the underlying biological mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the biological effects of SARS-CoV-2 on post-acute disease, specifically focusing on tissue and organ adaptations and damage.
- To synthesize current knowledge on how virological, animal, and clinical studies illuminate the mechanisms behind COVID-19's varied clinical presentations.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing virological, animal, and clinical studies.
- Analysis of biological effects related to tissue and organ adaptations and damage in post-acute COVID-19.
Main Results:
- SARS-CoV-2 infection leads to significant tissue and organ adaptations and damage in the post-acute phase.
- Virological, animal, and clinical data reveal key mechanisms driving diverse COVID-19 patient outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Investigations into SARS-CoV-2's effects enhance understanding of viral pathogenesis.
- This review identifies innovative research pathways for studying the mechanisms of viral diseases, including long COVID.
