Summary of the clinical manifestations, infection mechanisms and current drug treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection

The recent outbreak of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and rapid spread have continued to negatively affect the public health and global economy. It has been reported that the commonest symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, fatigue, sputum production, and shortness of breath. SARS-CoV-2, a novel enveloped RNA β-coronavirus, enters the host cell with the aid of SARS-CoV receptor ACE2 and the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2, primed by TMPRSS2. Currently, the most effective method that lowers the risk of exposure to virus is isolation because the virus is transmitted person-to-person. Several studies have been conducted to determine drugs and vaccines likely to be effective against COVID-19. However, no specific medicine is reported for the prevention or treatment for SARS-CoV-2. This article not only reviews the clinical manifestations, epidemiology of COVID-19 and the infection mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2, but also discusses potential treatments for COVID-19, including drug therapy, immune therapy (i.e., immunomodulator, neutralizing antibody therapy and convalescent plasma therapy) and vaccines. Our aim is to provide knowledge about SARS-CoV-2 and promotes research through which more effective treatments and preventive measures can be developed.