Investigating Virological, Immunological, and Pathological Avenues to Identify Potential Targets for Developing COVID-19 Treatment and Prevention Strategies

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: Zafar Mahmood, Emory University; Hani Alrefai, University of Cincinnati; Helal F. Hetta, University of Cincinnati; Hidaya A. Kader, United Arab Emirates University; Nayla Munawar, United Arab Emirates University; Sheikh Rahman, Emory University; Shereen Elshaer, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center; Gaber El-Saber Batiha, Damanhour University; Khalid Muhammad, United Arab Emirates University
• Language: English
• Date: 2020-09-01
• Publisher: MDPI
• Publication Version: Final Published Version
• Copyright Statement: © 2020 by the authors.
• License: Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International
• Final Published Version (URL): http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/vaccines8030443
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: VACCINES
• Volume: 8
• Issue: 3
• Start Page: 1
• End Page: 21
• Grant/Funding Information: K.M.’s research is funded by a United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) start-up grant 31S411.
• Keywords: HEPATITIS-C VIRUS; Research & Experimental Medicine; T cells; B cells; REGULATORY T-CELLS; RESPIRATORY SYNDROME CORONAVIRUS; PATHOGEN RECOGNITION; SARS CORONAVIRUS; INFECTION; Immunology; Life Sciences & Biomedicine; ANTIBODIES; vaccine development; SPIKE PROTEIN; COVID-19; FUNCTIONAL RECEPTOR; Medicine, Research & Experimental; VACCINES; Science & Technology
• Research Categories: Biology, Cell; Health Sciences, Immunology; Health Sciences, Pathology

Abstract

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is an emerging coronavirus causing respiratory disease commonly known as COVID-19. This novel coronavirus transmits from human to human and has caused profound morbidity and mortality worldwide leading to the ongoing pandemic. Moreover, disease severity differs considerably from individual to individual. Investigating the virology of COVID-19 and immunological pathways underlying its clinical manifestations will enable the identification and design of effective vaccines and potential therapies. In this review, we explore COVID-19 virology, the contribution of the immune system (innate and adaptive) during infection and control of the virus. Finally, we highlight vaccine development and implications of immune system modulation for potential therapeutic interventions to design better therapeutic strategies to guide future cure.