Innate Immune Responses to Highly Pathogenic Coronaviruses and Other Significant Respiratory Viral Infections

Front Immunol. 2020 Aug 18:11:1979. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01979. eCollection 2020.

Abstract

The new pandemic virus SARS-CoV-2 emerged in China and spread around the world in <3 months, infecting millions of people, and causing countries to shut down public life and businesses. Nearly all nations were unprepared for this pandemic with healthcare systems stretched to their limits due to the lack of an effective vaccine and treatment. Infection with SARS-CoV-2 can lead to Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). COVID-19 is respiratory disease that can result in a cytokine storm with stark differences in morbidity and mortality between younger and older patient populations. Details regarding mechanisms of viral entry via the respiratory system and immune system correlates of protection or pathogenesis have not been fully elucidated. Here, we provide an overview of the innate immune responses in the lung to the coronaviruses MERS-CoV, SARS-CoV, and SARS-CoV-2. This review provides insight into key innate immune mechanisms that will aid in the development of therapeutics and preventive vaccines for SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Keywords: COVID-19; Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) outbreak; Coronavirus (CoV); SARS-CoV-2; innate immune responses.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Animals
  • Betacoronavirus / immunology*
  • COVID-19
  • Coronavirus Infections / immunology*
  • Coronavirus Infections / metabolism
  • Coronavirus Infections / virology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immune Evasion
  • Immunity, Innate*
  • Male
  • Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus / immunology*
  • Pandemics
  • Pneumonia, Viral / immunology*
  • Pneumonia, Viral / metabolism
  • Pneumonia, Viral / virology
  • Respiratory Mucosa / immunology
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome / immunology*
  • Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome / virology
  • Severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus / immunology*