SARS–CoV–2 VIRUS: INFECTION AND VACCINE–INDUCED IMMUNE RESPONSE

Abstract

SARS–CoV–2 virus, named by the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses based on its genetic similarity to previously known coronaviruses, that cause Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, has started spreading quickly around the world in February, 2020. The World Health Organization declared a COVID–19 disease a pandemic on March 11, 2020. Coronavirus attacks the respiratory system, causing pneumonia and lymphopenia in infected individuals. Viral components like spike and nucleocapsid proteins trigger a host immune response, resulting in antibody production, increased cytokine secretion and T cell activity. Vaccination is an effective and safe method, which prevents a severe disease of COVID–19 and controls its spreading.