Molecular Aspects of COVID-19 Differential Pathogenesis

Abstract

In the absence of therapeutic interventions, and a possible vaccine candidate, the spread of COVID-19 disease and associated fatalities are on the rise. The high mutation frequency in the genomic material of these viruses supports their ability to adapt to new environments, resulting in an efficient alteration in tissue tropism and host range. Therefore, the coronavirus' health threats could be relevant for the long-term. The epidemiological data indicate that age, sex, and cardio-metabolic disease have a significant impact on the spread and severity of COVID-19. In this review, we highlight recent updates on the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 among men and women, including children. We also discuss the role of the cellular receptors and coreceptors used by the virus to enter host cells on differential infection among men, women, and cardio-metabolic patients.

Keywords: COVID-19; SARS-COV-2; cardio-metabolic disease; comorbidity; differential pathogenesis.

Figure 1

Age and gender distribution of deaths due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the United States as of 10 June 2020. The data are calculated based on the total number of deaths (95,608) as of 10 June 2020, which was received and coded by the National Center for Health Statistics. Data source—Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: National Center for Health Statistics. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nvss/vsrr/COVID19/.