Back to Search Start Over

An integrative look at SARS‑CoV‑2 (Review)

An integrative look at SARS‑CoV‑2 (Review)

Authors :
Sandra García-Gallego
Julia Buján
Diego Torres-Carranza
Melchor Alvarez-Mon
Basilio de la Torre
Lara Sanchez-Trujillo
Cielo García-Montero
Ángel Asúnsolo
Natalio García-Honduvilla
Leonel Pekarek
Miguel Angel Alvarez-Mon
Miguel A Ortega
Oscar Fraile-Martínez
Universidad de Alcalá. Departamento de Cirugía, Ciencias Médicas y Sociales
Universidad de Alcalá. Departamento de Medicina y Especialidades Médicas
Universidad de Alcalá. Departamento de Química Orgánica y Química Inorgánica
Source :
International Journal of Molecular Medicine, e_Buah Biblioteca Digital Universidad de Alcalá, instname
Publication Year :
2020
Publisher :
Spandidos Publications, 2020.

Abstract

SARS‑CoV‑2 is a newly discovered member of the betacoronaviruses and the etiological agent of the disease COVID‑19. SARS‑CoV‑2 is responsible for the worldwide pandemic which has been taking place in 2020, and is causing a markedly higher number of infections and deaths compared to previous coronaviruses, such as SARS‑CoV or MERS‑CoV. Based on updated scientific literature, the present review compiles the most relevant knowledge of SARS‑CoV‑2, COVID‑19 and the clinical and typical responses that patients have exhibited against this virus, discussing current and future therapies, and proposing strategies with which to combat the disease and prevent a further global threat. The aggressiveness of SARS‑CoV‑2 arises from its capacity to infect, and spread easily and rapidly through its tight interaction with the human angiotensin‑converting enzyme 2 (ACE‑2) receptor. While not all patients respond in a similar manner and may even be asymptomatic, a wide range of manifestations associated with COVID‑19 have been described, particularly in vulnerable population groups, such as the elderly or individuals with other underlying conditions. The proper function of the immune system plays a key role in an individual's favorable response to SARS‑CoV‑2 infection. A hyperactivated response, on the contrary, could account for the more severe cases of COVID‑19, and this may finally lead to respiratory insufficiency and other complications, such as thrombotic or thromboembolic events. The development of novel therapies and vaccines designed to control and regulate a proper immune system response will be key to clinical management, prevention measures and effective population screening to attenuate the transmission of this novel RNA virus.

Details

ISSN :
1791244X and 11073756
Volume :
47
Database :
OpenAIRE
Journal :
International Journal of Molecular Medicine
Accession number :
edsair.doi.dedup.....8b3533cf8673050af8bf05589b5735dc
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3892/ijmm.2020.4828