COVID-19 from the perspective of an immunologist

Cas Lek Cesk. 2020 Spring;159(2):67-71.

Abstract

COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by a coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. COVID-19 has a number of similarities to SARS and MERS diseases. Its highly contagious nature is particularly due to the rapid spread of the disease through asymptomatic individuals; however, the worlds most contagious infectious disease is still considered measles. Scientific data have revealed the interactions between COVID-19 and the immune system. These findings may contribute to the development of novel preventive and therapeutic approaches. Just as coronavirus itself the reports about the disease have massively spread through media and public contributing to overall public fear and stress. This promotion of non-scientific evidence and misinformation through social media might have also a devastating impact on the individuals immune system. Data regarding the mortality rates of COVID-19 have achieved unprecedented media and public engagements, however, the true facts about the disease prevention, immunomodulation and novel treatments are often left unsaid. We present the most recent facts about COVID-19 disease and its interactions with the immune system.

Keywords: COVID-19; SARS; clinical features; future; immunomodulation; influenza; lethality; prevention; risk factors; statistics; vaccination.

MeSH terms

  • Betacoronavirus
  • COVID-19
  • Coronavirus Infections / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Immune System*
  • Pandemics
  • Pneumonia, Viral / immunology*
  • SARS-CoV-2