Abstract
The pandemic of the new coronavirus infection (COVID-19) caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus has spread all over the world. The large amount of information that appears every day requires comprehension and systematization. The immunological aspects of the virus-host interaction are the core issues in the effective treatment and prevention of COVID-19’ development.The review analyzes the known pathways of the viral invasion and evasion, the mechanisms of the cytokine storm, endothelial damage, and hypercoagulability associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Clinical data from previous SARS and MERS epidemics is discussed here. We also address the therapeutic approaches based on the basic knowledge of immune response and the blood cells’ immune functions, as well as the ways to reduce their hyperactivation. The use of interferon therapy, anti-inflammatory therapy, anti-cytokine therapy, neutralizing antibodies, convalescent plasma, and mesenchymal stem cells, as well as prophylactic vaccines, is discussed.
Highlights
The pandemic of the new coronavirus infection (COVID-19) caused by the beta coronavirus SARSCoV-2 has caused high morbidity and mortality worldwide [1]
Numerous studies have shown that the penetration of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus into the cell is a result of interaction between the receptor-binding domain of the viral spike (S) protein and the angiotensinconverting enzyme receptor 2 (ACE2)
These proinflammatory processes are likely to lead to the cytokine storm developing in COVID-19 patients, which rationalizes the use of targeted immunosuppressive therapies
Summary
The pandemic of the new coronavirus infection (COVID-19) caused by the beta coronavirus SARSCoV-2 has caused high morbidity and mortality worldwide [1]. SARS-CoV-2 is closely related to SARS (retrospectively named SARS-CoV-1) and the Middle East respiratory syndrome MERS-CoV, which caused zoonotic epidemics and localized outbreaks in 2003 and 2012, respectively [3,4,5]. It is important to learn the lessons from the two previous coronavirus epidemics. SARS-CoV-2 is not nearly as deadly as SARS-CoV-1 or MERS-CoV [6], the rapid spread of the current infection has led to disastrous consequences for health systems around the world. Numerous studies have shown that the penetration of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus into the cell is a result of interaction between the receptor-binding domain of the viral spike (S) protein and the angiotensinconverting enzyme receptor 2 (ACE2). A better understanding of these immunological processes will allow to develop therapeutic and preventive measures against COVID-19 [11]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
