The coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The long incubation period of this new virus, which is mostly asymptomatic yet contagious, is a key reason for its rapid spread across the world. Currently, there is no worldwide-approved treatment for COVID-19. Therefore, the clinical and scientific communities have joint efforts to reduce the severe impact of the outbreak. Research on previous emerging infectious diseases have created valuable knowledge that is being exploited for drug repurposing and accelerated vaccine development. Nevertheless, it is important to generate knowledge on SARS-CoV-2 mechanisms of infection and its impact on host immunity, to guide the design of COVID-19 specific therapeutics and vaccines suitable for mass immunization. Nanoscale delivery systems are expected to play a paramount role in the success of these prophylactic and therapeutic approaches. This Review provides an overview of SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis and examines immune-mediated approaches currently explored for COVID-19 treatments, with an emphasis on nanotechnological tools.

冠状病毒病 19 (COVID-19) 是由严重急性呼吸综合征冠状病毒 2 (SARS-CoV-2) 引起的。这种大部分无症状但具有传染性的新病毒潜伏期长，是其在全球迅速传播的一个关键原因。目前，尚无全球批准的 COVID-19 治疗方法。因此，临床和科学界共同努力减少疫情的严重影响。对先前新发传染病的研究创造了宝贵的知识，这些知识正被用于药物再利用和加速疫苗的开发。尽管如此，重要的是要了解 SARS-CoV-2 感染机制及其对宿主免疫的影响，以指导设计适合大规模免疫的 COVID-19 特异性疗法和疫苗。预计纳米级递送系统将在这些预防和治疗方法的成功中发挥至关重要的作用。本综述概述了 SARS-CoV-2 的发病机制，并研究了目前探索用于 COVID-19 治疗的免疫介导方法，重点是纳米技术工具。