Host factors facilitating SARS-CoV-2 virus infection and replication in the lungs

Cell Mol Life Sci. 2021 Aug;78(16):5953-5976. doi: 10.1007/s00018-021-03889-5. Epub 2021 Jul 5.

Abstract

SARS-CoV-2 is the virus causing the major pandemic facing the world today. Although, SARS-CoV-2 primarily causes lung infection, a variety of symptoms have proven a systemic impact on the body. SARS-CoV-2 has spread in the community quickly infecting humans from all age, ethnicities and gender. However, fatal outcomes have been linked to specific host factors and co-morbidities such as age, hypertension, immuno-deficiencies, chronic lung diseases or metabolic disorders. A major shift in the microbiome of patients suffering of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have also been observed and is linked to a worst outcome of the disease. As many co-morbidities are already known to be associated with a dysbiosis of the microbiome such as hypertension, diabetes and metabolic disorders. Host factors and microbiome changes are believed to be involved as a network in the acquisition of the infection and the development of the diseases. We will review in detail in this manuscript, the immune response toward SARS-CoV-2 infection as well as the host factors involved in the facilitation and worsening of the infection. We will also address the impact of COVID-19 on the host's microbiome and secondary infection which also worsen the disease.

Keywords: COVID-19; Co-morbidities; Host factor; Innate immune response; Microbiome; SARS-CoV-2.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • COVID-19 / immunology*
  • COVID-19 / virology*
  • Dysbiosis / immunology
  • Dysbiosis / virology
  • Humans
  • Immunity / immunology
  • Lung / immunology*
  • Lung / virology*
  • Microbiota / immunology
  • Pandemics
  • SARS-CoV-2 / immunology*
  • Virus Replication / immunology*