Long-Term Vaccination and Treatment Strategies for COVID-19 Disease and Future Coronavirus Pandemics

Abstract

The appearance of new severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants with increased infectivity and immune escape capabilities has allowed continuation of the COVID-19 pandemic for the foreseeable future. This review describes the worldwide efforts aimed at developing new vaccination and treatment strategies to keep pace with these variants as they emerge. In the case of vaccines and monoclonal antibody-based therapeutics, we describe the development of variant-specific, multivalent, and universal coronavirus directed approaches. Existing treatment approaches consist of repurposed medicines, such as antiviral compounds and anti-inflammatory agents, although efforts are underway to develop new ways of preventing or minimizing the effects of infection with the use of small molecules that disrupt binding the SARS-CoV-2 virus to host cells. Finally, we discuss the preclinical and clinical testing of natural products from medicinal herbs and spices, which have demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties and therefore show potential as novel and safe COVID-19 treatment approaches.