Entry, egress and vertical transmission of SARS-CoV-2

The high infectivity and pathogenicity of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) have caused the COVID-19 outbreak, one of the most devastating pandemics in more than a century. This pandemic has already left a trail of destruction, including enormous loss of life, a global economic slump, and widespread psychological damage. Despite assiduous world-wide endeavors, an effective cure for COVID-19 is still lacking. Surprisingly, infected neonates and children have relatively mild clinical manifestations and a much lower fatality rate than elderly adults. Recent studies have unambiguously demonstrated the vertical transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from infected pregnant women to fetuses, which creates yet another challenge for disease prevention. In this review, we will summarize the molecular mechanism for entry of SARS-CoV-2 into host cells, the basis for the failure of the lungs and other organs in severe acute cases, and the evidence for congenital transmission.

Automated summary

The high infectivity and pathogenicity of SARS-CoV-2 have caused the devastating COVID-19 pandemic, leading to enormous loss of life, global economic slump, and psychological damage. Infected pregnant women have been shown to transmit the virus vertically to their fetuses, posing a challenge for disease prevention. Infected neonates and children display milder clinical symptoms and lower fatality rates, highlighting the need for effective treatment options.