ABSTRACT
The recent outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) belongs to a broad family of viruses known as Coronaviridae. SARS-CoV-2 is an emerging global pandemic with a relatively low mortality rate. The virus has been mutated in a unique manner thus prolonging its search for its vaccine and drug therapy. SARS-CoV-2 is an enveloped virus consisting of many spike (S) proteins, which mediates its fusion to the membrane of the host cell. Its ‘crown-like’ appearance under an electron microscope has led to its name. The clinical symptoms that patients experience would be due to their central immune response to the infection. Pro-inflammatory cytokines play an essential role in cell growth and regulation of the immune system. However, its abundance could contribute to pathological conditions which can cause further injury and possible death. This brief review discusses the pathogenesis of the SARS-CoV-2 along with receptors that can be potentially targeted by therapeutic strategies, inhibiting the membrane fusion, genome replication and immune response. © 2022: Author(s).