Know your enemy and know yourself - the case of SARS-CoV-2 host factors

Abstract

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the etiologic agent that causes Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, is a newly emerging respiratory RNA virus with exceptional transmissibility and pathogenicity. Numerous COVID-19 related studies have been fast-tracked, with the ultimate goal to end the pandemic. Here we review the major stages of SARS-CoV-2 infection cycle in cells, with specific emphasis on essential host factors. Insights into the cell biology of SARS-CoV-2 infection have accelerated the development of host-directed therapeutics, as shown by dozens of clinical trials evaluating COVID-19 treatments using host-targeting compounds.