Surviving the Rookie Virus, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2): The Immunopathology of a SARS-CoV2 Infection

Cell Transplant. 2021 Jan-Dec:30:963689721993769. doi: 10.1177/0963689721993769.

Abstract

Until July 29th, the number of confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) cases worldwide has risen to over 16 million, within which 655 k deaths. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2) emerges as the 11th global pandemic disease, showing the highest infectivity and lowest infection fatality rate. In this review, we compare the immunopathology among SARS-CoV, Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus, and SARS-CoV2. SARS-CoV2 is similar to SARS-CoV; it can cause lymphocytopenia and a rising granulocyte count. Here we point out the human body and concentrated society make for an excellent incubator for virus evolution. Most research energies put into developing the SARS-CoV2 vaccine are trying to block virus infection. Sixty-five percent of severe patients die with multiple organ failure, inflammation, and cytokine storm, which indicates that the patient's immune system maintains functionality. Finding a way to trigger the specific T cell subset and plasmablast in our body is the best shot to get away with SARS-CoV2.

Keywords: SARS-CoV2; immunopathology; vaccine.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • COVID-19 / immunology*
  • COVID-19 / pathology
  • Coronavirus / immunology
  • Coronavirus Infections / immunology
  • Coronavirus Infections / pathology
  • Cytokine Release Syndrome / immunology
  • Cytokine Release Syndrome / pathology
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / immunology
  • Inflammation / pathology
  • SARS-CoV-2 / immunology*
  • Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome / immunology
  • Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome / pathology
  • Severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus / immunology