The immune response to SARS-CoV-2. Focus on severe COVID-19 pathogenesis

SARS-CoV-2 pandemics increased research in the interaction of coronaviruses with human immune response. Moreover, a detailed analysis of SARS-CoV-2 immune response might be helpful in vaccine development and delivering some other therapeutic approaches. Several papers described SARS and MERS antiviral response. Unfortunately, not all data derived from SARS and MERS studies could be directly applied to the SARS-CoV-2 immune response, its clinical course and severe COVID-19 pathology. In this paper we are trying to summarize basic aspects of COVID-19 immunopathology focusing on immune response, pathogenesis of severe disease and the differences between SARS-CoV-2 and its predecessors. Moreover, we are trying to outline possible therapeutic approaches including but not limited to vaccines. All reviewed data have to be treated with caution. Next months and years will generate more results helping us to deal with SARS-CoV-2, which will confirm or disprove current information and the understanding of COVID-19.