An Outline of SARS-CoV-2 Pathogenesis and the Complement Cascade of Immune System
TLDR Understanding SARS-CoV-2's spread and immune response is key to developing treatments and vaccines, but preventive measures remain important.
The document outlined the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 and its interaction with the immune system, emphasizing the virus's reliance on the ACE2 receptor for cell entry and its spread through respiratory droplets. It described the immune response involving both innate and adaptive immunity, with cytokine storms leading to severe inflammation and potential multi-organ failure. The complement system, particularly proteins like C3 and C5, played a critical role in pathogen elimination but also contributed to inflammatory responses, exacerbating lung damage. The study suggested that controlling the complement system could be crucial in developing therapeutic drugs for COVID-19. Despite the urgent need for effective treatments, no clinically approved antiviral drugs or vaccines were available at the time, although several vaccines had been developed and authorized for emergency use. The document highlighted the importance of continued research to improve therapeutic strategies.
