The emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) marks the third highly pathogenic coronavirus to spill over into the human population. SARS-CoV-2 is highly transmissible with a broad tissue tropism that is likely perpetuating the pandemic. However, important questions remain regarding its transmissibility and pathogenesis. In this review, we summarize current SARS-CoV-2 research, with an emphasis on transmission, tissue tropism, viral pathogenesis, and immune antagonism. We further present advances in animal models that are important for understanding the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2, vaccine development, and therapeutic testing. When necessary, comparisons are made from studies with SARS to provide further perspectives on coronavirus infectious disease 2019 (COVID-19), as well as draw inferences for future investigations. Highlights The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 from China and the rapidity of a worldwide pandemic has promoted global collaboration, built on a body of work established from previous SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV outbreaks. These past experiences have aided the swiftness by which the research community has responded with an astonishing body of work. SARS-CoV-2 is a novel virus in the Betacoronavirus genus and exhibits similarities to SARS-CoV in genome structure, tissue tropism, and viral pathogenesis. Yet, SARS-CoV-2 appears to be more transmissible and the diversity of immune responses are poorly understood. Highly pathogenic coronaviruses display potent interferon (IFN) antagonism, which is evident in cases of severe COVID-19 with reduced IFN signaling, and an overaggressive immune response compounded by heightened cytokines/chemokines. Animal models for SARS-CoV-2 recapitulate important aspects of human COVID-19 that are essential for evaluating current and prospective antiviral therapeutics and vaccine candidates.
【저자키워드】 COVID-19, coronavirus, Severe acute respiratory syndrome, SARS, SARS-CoV-2,