Current challenges and controversies surrounding SARS-CoV-2 immunity and their implications on reinfection, plasma therapy treatment outcomes, and vaccine development

Abstract

The global pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), was recognized using of next-generation sequencing. The pandemic is associated with respiratory distress syndrome, hyperinflammation, and high mortality making it a major public health concern. It is essential to explore the pathogenetic pathways to conclude a definite therapeutic approach. However, the crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic altered the equilibrium between waiting for substantiating results before determining whether to use the therapy or generating evidence during regular patient care, in support of the second choice. This review describes various key controversies and challenges of SARS-CoV-2 immunity, convalescent plasma therapy, and treatment outcomes. It further highlights the emerging vaccine therapy and future strategies for the treatment of COVID-19.