Pathogenetic aspects of the emergence of coronavirus infection COVID-19: a literature review

Abilov P. M.
Chair for Normal and Pathological Physiology¹

1 - Tashkent Medical Academy, Tashkent, Republic of Uzbekistan

Abilov Pulat; e-mail: pulatabilov1985@mail.ru

Authors have no conflict of interest.

The study had no sponsorship.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), emerged in December 2019 leading to staggering economic impact and human suffering. The unique structure of SARS-CoV-2 and its underlying pathogenic mechanism have caused a global pandemic. In addition to the direct damage caused by the virus, SARS-CoV-2 induces an abnormal immune response leading to a cytokine storm culminating in acute respiratory distress syndrome and other fatal diseases, posing a significant challenge to clinicians. Therefore, potential treatment should not only focus on eliminating the virus but also on alleviating or controlling acute immune/inflammatory responses. Current treatment strategies for COVID-19 include preventive measures and supportive care, while the role of the host immune/inflammatory response in disease progression has been largely ignored. Understanding the interactions between SARS-CoV-2 and its receptors, as well as the underlying pathogenesis, has proven useful for disease prevention, early recognition of disease progression, vaccine development, and interventions aimed at reducing immunopathology that have shown to reduce adverse clinical outcomes and improve prognosis. Moreover, several key mutations in the SARS-CoV-2 genome sequence result in increased host cell receptor binding affinity or induce immune escape, resulting in either increased viral transmissibility or virulence of variants harboring these mutations. The review characterizes the structural features of SARS-CoV-2, its variants, and their interactions with the immune system, highlighting the role of dysfunctional immune responses and cytokine storm in disease progression.

SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19, pathogenesis, immunity, cytokine storm

10.29234/2308-9113-2025-13-2-112-126

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