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Review
. 2021 Jul:10.2217/fvl-2021-0048.
doi: 10.2217/fvl-2021-0048. Epub 2021 Aug 9.

Harnessing immunological targets for COVID-19 immunotherapy

Abhishesh Kumar Mehata  1 , Matte Kasi Viswanadh  1 , Vishnu Priya  1 , Vikas  1 , Madaswamy S Muthu  1
Affiliations
Review

Harnessing immunological targets for COVID-19 immunotherapy

Abhishesh Kumar Mehata et al. Future Virol. 2021 Jul.

Abstract

COVID-19 is an infectious and highly contagious disease caused by SARS-CoV-2. The immunotherapy strategy has a great potential to develop a permanent cure against COVID-19. Innate immune cells are in constant motion to scan molecular alteration to cells led by microbial infections throughout the body and helps in clearing invading viruses. Harnessing immunological targets for removing viral infection, generally based on the principle of enhancing the T-cell and protective immune responses. Currently-approved COVID-19 vaccines are mRNA encapsulated in liposomes that stimulate the host immune system to produce antibodies. Given the vital role of innate immunity, harnessing these immune responses opens up new hope for the generation of long-lasting and protective immunity against COVID-19.

Keywords: COVID-19; cytokine storm; immunotherapy; innate immunity; novel coronavirus.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.. Coronavirus structure with viral ACE2 receptor on the host cells surface.
ACE2: Angiotensin converting enzyme 2.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.. Cytokine storm induced during COVID-19.
CRP: C-reactive protein; IFR: Interferon receptor; MCP-1: Monocyte chemotactic protein-1; TLR: Toll like receptor.
Figure 3.
Figure 3.. Innate immune response during COVID-19; detection by dendritic cells and killing by cytotoxic T cells.
APC: Antigen presenting cell; DAMP: Damage-associated molecular pattern protein; DC: Dendritic cell.
Figure 4.
Figure 4.. Targeting complement system for COVID-19 treatment.
ACE: Angiotensin converting enzyme; ADRS: Acute distress respiratory syndrome; CCL2: Chemokine ligand 2.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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