SARS-CoV-2 Host Cell Interactions

Dear Colleagues,

The current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a global public health problem due to the relatively easy person-to-person transmission and the current lack of effective antiviral therapy. However, the exact molecular mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis remain largely unknown.

Viruses are obligate intracellular parasites, entirely dependent on host cell machinery for their replication. In fact, they interact with the host machinery and alter cellular pathways to enhance their survival and replication. Part of this process is based on the inhibition of the cellular proteins that play a role in antiviral response and cell duplication. Some viruses directly divert key proteins from these pathways to promote their own replication.

Characterizing how SARS-CoV-2 takes over the operation of host cell machinery while disrupting cellular antiviral response will greatly improve our understanding of the pathophysiology of SARS-CoV-2 infection and will help to identify useful drug targets.

This Special Issue invites articles and expert reviews in the field of virus–host interactions to illustrate the current knowledge about virus–human cell interactome and the related strategies used by SARS-CoV-2 to exploit the host cell machinery and subvert cellular networks. Articles with an emphasis on the mechanisms by which SARS-CoV-2 subverts the antiviral response and triggers cytokine storms, which represent a powerful resource in the pursuit of therapeutic interventions, are particularly welcome.

Dr. Concetta Castilletti
Prof. Dr. Luisa Barzon
Dr. Francesca Colavita
Guest Editors

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