SARS-CoV-2: From the pathogenesis to potential anti-viral treatments

The world is witnessing the spread of one of the members of Coronaviruses (CoVs) family, called severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in the 21st century. Considering the short time spent after its prevalence, limited information is known about the effect of the virus mechanism on different organs of the body; meanwhile the lack of specific treatment and vaccine for this virus has exposed millions of people to a big challenge. The review article aims to describe the general and particular characteristics of CoVs, their classification, genome structure, host cell infection, cytokine storm, anti-viral treatments, and inhibition of COVID-19-related ER-mitochondrial stress. In addition, it refers to drugs such as Chloroquine/Hydroxychloroquine, Lopinavir/Ritonavir, darunavir, ribavirin, remdesivir, and favipiravir, which have undergone clinical trials for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) treatment. This analysis was derived from an extensive scientific literature search including Pubmed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar performed. The effectiveness rate and complications of these drugs can reveal new insights into the potential therapeutic goals for the disease. Moreover, lifestyle change can effectively prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection. [Display omitted] •The 21st century is currently facing the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.•During evolution, SARS-CoV-2 have evolved strategies to escape immune responses by targeting ER and mitochondria.•COVID-19-related ER-mitochondrial stress is a major player in the promoting of cytokine storms and ARDS.•Non-viral compounds as a new therapeutic strategy for inhibiting ER-mitochondrial stress related to COVID-19.•Another treatment strategy for COVID-19 is the concomitant use of antiviral drugs with non-viral compounds.