Spotting Therapeutic Targets against SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19

Abstract

Zhao-Zhong Chong and Hong-Jun Zhang

To control the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic infection, worldwide vaccination has been implemented. However, no specific therapeutic drugs are available for the treatment of COVID-19 yet. To find the effective therapeutic targets for COVID-19, efforts should be focused on the pathogenesis of COVID-19. SARS-CoV-2 induced COVID-19 involves the processes of viral entry into the host cells, viral replication in host cells, and induction of cytokine storm. Therefore, the potential targets may include the structural proteins of the virus and host cell proteins that play roles in the viral entry, associated enzymes in viral replication, and associated signaling proteins for the release of inflammatory cytokines that mediate the induction of cytokine storm. The development of candidates based on these targets may formulate the future treatment of COVID-19 or other associated diseases.

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