From Evolution to Solution: Battling SARS-CoV-2

Abstract

SARS-CoV-2, the pathogen of an acute respiratory disease, COVID-19, has caused a new global public health crisis. SARS-CoV-2 has undergone several vital mutations which enhanced its ability of interpersonal transmission, and it is still evolving. Thus, a better understanding of the origin and evolution of the coronavirus will shed some light to controlling the disease. In addition to current therapies, the development of vaccines is becoming a promising solution. In this paper, epidemiological information about SARS-CoV-2 will be introduced, the evolution of the virus will be discussed and related to its enhanced infectiousness, and empirical studies focusing on relevant treatments and vaccines will be considered. It is proposed that developing nucleic acid vaccines is an approach more feasible. And basing the crosstalk of viral evolution and vaccine design, strategies relevant to experiences in treating SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV are also recommended.