Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 30, 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
Decoding the SARS-CoV-2 infection process: Insights into origin, spread, and therapeutic approaches
Saheem Ahmad1, Ahmed Alafnan2, Ahmed Alobaida2
1Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Hail, 2440, Saudi Arabia.
Abstract:
Globally, over 768 million confirmed cases and 6.9 million deaths had been documented as of July 17, 2023. Coronaviruses have a relatively large RNA genome. As with other viruses, SARS-CoV-2 does have an envelope film produced from host cells that are assisted by virally encoded glycoproteins that are required for infectivity, immunological assault, and viral particle production. Although the intermediate source of origin and transmission to humans is unexplained, rapid transmission from human to human has been established. This review focuses on the mechanistic framework for understanding the SARS-CoV-2 viral infection. Additionally, it discusses the origins and implications of COVID-19 using direct quotations from the published scientific literature to avoid misinterpretation of this catastrophic event that resulted in a massive loss of human life and impact on the global economy. The current available information unfolds large number of topics related with COVID-19 and/or the coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) responsible of the disease. This review article also delves into the multifaceted aspects of COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2, with a specific focus on a controversial yet essential issue: the possible association between SARS-CoV-2's origin and aldose reductase, an enzyme known for its role in diabetic retinopathy. Exploring this connection holds utmost significance, offering valuable insights into COVID-19's pathogenesis and unlocking new avenues for therapeutic interventions. It is important to trace back the evolution of coronaviruses and reveal the possible origin of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which causes the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Insights
This review examines the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection mechanisms and COVID-19 origins. It explores a potential link between SARS-CoV-2 and aldose reductase, offering insights into pathogenesis and therapeutics.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes COVID-19, a global pandemic with significant mortality and economic impact.
- Understanding SARS-CoV-2 infection mechanisms, viral structure, and origins is crucial for public health.
- The precise origin and zoonotic transmission route of SARS-CoV-2 remain under investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the mechanistic framework of SARS-CoV-2 viral infection.
- To discuss the origins and implications of COVID-19, citing scientific literature.
- To investigate the potential association between SARS-CoV-2 origins and aldose reductase.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of scientific publications on SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19.
- Analysis of viral structure, infectivity, and host cell interactions.
- Exploration of evolutionary pathways of coronaviruses.
Main Results:
- SARS-CoV-2 possesses a large RNA genome and an envelope derived from host cells, with viral glycoproteins essential for infectivity.
- The review synthesizes current knowledge on COVID-19's multifaceted aspects, including its global impact.
- A specific focus is placed on the controversial yet significant hypothesis linking SARS-CoV-2 origins to aldose reductase.
Conclusions:
- Elucidating the mechanistic framework of SARS-CoV-2 infection is vital for understanding COVID-19 pathogenesis.
- Investigating the potential role of aldose reductase in SARS-CoV-2's origin may reveal new therapeutic targets.
- Tracing coronavirus evolution is key to understanding the emergence of SARS-CoV-2.
Related Concept Videos
Leaky Scanning
Conjugated Proteins
Nucleoproteins are protein complexes that contain nucleic acids, categorized as deoxyribonucleoproteins (DNPs) or ribonucleoproteins (RNPs) respectively. The nucleosome is a typical example of a DNP where nuclear DNA is associated with histone proteins. The major antigen for the Covid-19 virus SARS-CoV is an RNP that is critical...
Infection
The chain begins with pathogens: bacteria, viruses, fungi, prions, or parasites such as protozoa helminths. These can be present on the skin as transient or resident flora, or they can be acquired from the environment. Identifying and treating the type of infection and...
Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms-SNPs
Retrovirus Life Cycles

