Investigating Virological, Immunological, and Pathological Avenues to Identify Potential Targets for Developing COVID-19 Treatment and Prevention Strategies
Zafar Mahmood,
Hani Alrefai,
Helal F. Hetta,
Hidaya A. Kader,
Nayla Munawar,
Sheikh Abdul Rahman,
Shereen Elshaer,
Gaber EI-Saber Batiha,
Khalid Muhammad
Affiliations
Zafar Mahmood
Lowance Center for Human Immunology, Department of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
Hani Alrefai
Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0595, USA
Helal F. Hetta
Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0595, USA
Hidaya A. Kader
Department of Biology, College of Science, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain 15551, UAE
Nayla Munawar
Department of Chemistry, College of Science, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain 15551, UAE
Sheikh Abdul Rahman
Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory Vaccine Centre, Yerkes National Primate Research Centre, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
Shereen Elshaer
Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229-3026, USA
Gaber EI-Saber Batiha
Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicines, Damanhour University, Damanhour 22511, Egypt
Khalid Muhammad
Department of Biology, College of Science, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain 15551, UAE
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.
