SARS-CoV-2 cell entry and targeted antiviral development

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the causative agent of the pandemic coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which threatens human health and public safety. In the urgent campaign to develop anti-SARS-CoV-2 therapies, the initial entry step is one of the most appealing targets. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of SARS-CoV-2 cell entry, and the development of targeted antiviral strategies. Moreover, we speculate upon future directions toward next-generation of SARS-CoV-2 entry inhibitors during the upcoming post-pandemic era. (C) 2021 Chinese Pharmaceutical Association and Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences. Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V.

Automated summary

This review provides an overview of SARS-CoV-2 cell entry mechanisms and the development of targeted antiviral strategies. Additionally, it speculates on future directions for the development of next-generation SARS-CoV-2 entry inhibitors in the post-pandemic era.