Immunization against Medically Important Human Coronaviruses of Public Health Concern

Nabil A Nimer1, Seema N Nimer2

  • 1Faculty of Pharmacy, Philadelphia University, Amman, Jordan.

Insights

This review examines SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) immunization and interventions, including vaccines and phototherapy. It discusses supportive care, challenges with vaccine evaluation, and the potential of medicinal herbs, emphasizing the need for interaction studies.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Virology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) emerged in 2020, causing a global pandemic.
  • Developing effective preventive and therapeutic strategies against SARS-CoV-2 and related coronaviruses is crucial.
  • Understanding the immune response in recovered individuals informs vaccine and treatment development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current immunization strategies against SARS-CoV-2.
  • To explore various interventions developed for SARS-CoV-2 prevention and treatment.
  • To highlight the potential role of phototherapy and medicinal herbs in managing SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Main Methods:

  • A comprehensive literature review approach was adopted.
  • Information was gathered on existing and emerging vaccines (nucleotide, subunit, vector-based, attenuated, inactivated).
  • The study analyzed data on supportive care, antivirals, convalescent plasma, corticosteroids, and phototherapy.

Main Results:

  • Various vaccine types show prophylactic efficacy against coronaviruses like MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV.
  • Current treatment relies on supportive care, broad-spectrum antivirals, convalescent plasma, and corticosteroids.
  • Medicinal herbs show potential for treating upper respiratory symptoms, but require thorough toxicological and interaction assessment.

Conclusions:

  • Vaccine development and regulatory evaluation for COVID-19 present complex challenges.
  • Phototherapy and certain medicinal herbs may offer adjunctive therapeutic benefits for SARS-CoV-2.
  • Further research into herb-drug interactions is essential for safe and effective complementary treatments for COVID-19.

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