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Acute SARS-CoV-2 infection
Amy C Sherman1, Glenda E Gray2, Bin Cao3
1Division of Infectious Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
Nature Reviews. Disease Primers
|October 24, 2025
Summary
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) caused a global pandemic, leading to millions of deaths. Research has yielded vaccines and treatments, but ongoing surveillance and development are crucial for future preparedness.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) emerged in late 2019, causing the COVID-19 pandemic.
- COVID-19 presents a spectrum of illness, from asymptomatic cases to fatal pneumonia.
- Viral variants, host factors, and exposure influence disease severity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the development of preventive and therapeutic agents against SARS-CoV-2.
- To discuss the pathophysiology of the immune response to SARS-CoV-2 infection.
- To emphasize the need for sustained surveillance and research for pandemic preparedness.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of SARS-CoV-2 research.
- Analysis of the impact of viral and host factors on COVID-19.
- Summary of current preventive and therapeutic strategies.
Main Results:
- Key structural proteins and immune response insights enabled vaccine and therapeutic development.
- Antivirals (e.g., remdesivir) inhibit viral replication.
- Immunomodulatory agents (e.g., tocilizumab) reduce immune dysregulation.
Conclusions:
- Continued research and robust surveillance are essential for managing SARS-CoV-2.
- Preparedness for emerging pathogens with pandemic potential is critical.
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