Science and Research

Host factors facilitating SARS-CoV-2 virus infection and replication in the lungs

SARS-CoV-2 is the virus causing the major pandemic facing the world today. Although, SARS-CoV-2 primarily causes lung infection, a variety of symptoms have proven a systemic impact on the body. SARS-CoV-2 has spread in the community quickly infecting humans from all age, ethnicities and gender. However, fatal outcomes have been linked to specific host factors and co-morbidities such as age, hypertension, immuno-deficiencies, chronic lung diseases or metabolic disorders. A major shift in the microbiome of patients suffering of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have also been observed and is linked to a worst outcome of the disease. As many co-morbidities are already known to be associated with a dysbiosis of the microbiome such as hypertension, diabetes and metabolic disorders. Host factors and microbiome changes are believed to be involved as a network in the acquisition of the infection and the development of the diseases. We will review in detail in this manuscript, the immune response toward SARS-CoV-2 infection as well as the host factors involved in the facilitation and worsening of the infection. We will also address the impact of COVID-19 on the host's microbiome and secondary infection which also worsen the disease.

  • Boutin, S.
  • Hildebrand, D.
  • Boulant, S.
  • Kreuter, M.
  • Rüter, J.
  • Pallerla, S. R.
  • Velavan, T. P.
  • Nurjadi, D.

Keywords

  • Covid-19
  • Co-morbidities
  • Host factor
  • Innate immune response
  • Microbiome
  • SARS-CoV-2
Publication details
DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-03889-5
Journal: Cell Mol Life Sci
Pages: 1-24 
Work Type: Review
Location: TLRC
Disease Area: PALI
Partner / Member: DKFZ, Thorax, UKHD
Access-Number: 34223911

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