Combating the challenges of COVID-19 pandemic: Insights into molecular mechanisms, immune responses and therapeutics against SARS-CoV-2

Abstract

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection causes lethal Coronavirus disease (COVID-19). SARS-CoV-2 has been the chief source of threat to the public health and safety from 2019 to present. SARS-CoV-2 caused a sudden and significant rise in hospitalization due to respiratory issues and pneumonia. We are consistently uncovering new information about SARS-CoV-2 and yet so much is to explore to implement efficient interventions to combat the emergent variants and spread of the ongoing pandemic. Information regarding the existing COVID-19 pandemic is streamlining continuously. However, clinical symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infections spanning from asymptomatic infection to severe death instigating disease remain consistent with preliminary reports. In this review, we have briefly introduced highlights of the COVID-19 pandemic and features of SARS-CoV-2. We have focussed on current knowledge of innate and adaptive immune responses during SARS-CoV-2 infections and persisting clinical features of recovered patients. Furthermore, we have discussed how these immune responses are not tightly regulated and imbalance can direct latter phases of COVID-19, long-COVID symptoms, and cause detrimentalimmunopathogenesis. COVID-19 vaccines are also discussed in detail to describe the efforts going around the world to control and prevent the infection. Overall, we have summarized the current knowledge on immunology of SARS-CoV-2 infection and the utilization of that knowledge in development of a suitable COVID-19 therapeutics and vaccines.

From Emergence to Endemicity: A Comprehensive Review of COVID-19

“…Currently, Alpha (B.1.1.7), Beta (B.1.351), Gamma (P.1), Delta (B.1.617.2), and Omicron (B.1.1.529) are the major variants that are present in the community. The WHO classifies others as VOI, VOHC, and variants under monitoring [ 233 ]. The emergence of these variants has changed the standard of care and utilization of new therapies, affecting the outcome of trials and may continue to do so.…”

Main and papain-like proteases as prospective targets for pharmacological treatment of coronavirus SARS-CoV-2

“…In several clinical trials, treatment of COVID-19 with remdesivir resulted in improved health. 72 A side-effect is, however, that remdesivir is unstable in the blood and has a limited half-life of less than an hour in humans, requiring a continuous infusion. 73 Favipiravir was originally developed against the u.…”

COVID-19: From Emergence to Endemicity - A Comprehensive Review

“…Currently, Alpha (B.1.1.7), Beta (B.1.351), Gamma (P.1), Delta (B.1.617.2), and Omicron (B.1.1.529) are the major variants that are present in the community. There are others classified by the WHO as VOI, VOHC, and variants under monitoring (233). The emergence of these variants has changed the standard of care and utilization of new therapies which have affected the outcome of trials and may continue to do so in the future.…”