Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) (SARS-CoV-2)

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is an enveloped, positive-sense, single-stranded RNA virus that causes the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). It belongs to the Betacoronavirus genus and is characterized by large spike (S) glycoproteins that mediate viral entry by binding to the host's Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor. The viral genome encodes several essential non-structural proteins, including the main protease (Mpro) and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), which are primary targets for therapeutic intervention. Infection triggers a wide range of clinical manifestations, from asymptomatic or mild respiratory symptoms to severe pneumonia and multi-organ failure, often exacerbated by a systemic hyper-inflammatory response known as a cytokine storm. Therapeutic management involves direct-acting antivirals that inhibit viral replication, monoclonal antibodies that neutralize the spike protein, and host-directed therapies to mitigate lung injury and systemic inflammation.

Other names

2019-nCoVNovel coronavirus2019 novel coronavirusHCoV-19SARS-2COVID-19 virus

Direct-acting antivirals inhibit viral replication through RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) inhibition (Remdesivir, Molnupiravir) or main protease (Mpro/3CLpro) inhibition (Nirmatrelvir). Monoclonal antibodies block viral entry by binding to the receptor-binding domain of the spike protein, preventing interaction with ACE2. Host-directed therapies target downstream inflammatory pathways via JAK inhibition (Baricitinib) or IL-6 receptor blockade (Tocilizumab) to prevent cytokine-mediated tissue damage.