Targeting the immunology of coronavirus disease-19: synchronization creates symphony

Excerpt

Currently, there is a deluge of data on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). There are proponents of different therapies to target COVID-19 including antivirals, anti-inflammatory, and immune therapies [1‐3]. There is an emerging role of thrombosis in disease pathogenesis [4]. The current emphasis seems to have shifted to predominantly immunology-based strategies like advocating mass vaccination drives for BCG, pneumococcus, and influenza; neutralizing the virus with convalescent plasma or monoclonal antibodies and testing interferon-based therapies [2]. Rheumatologists have a special say in the situation since anti-inflammatory, immune, and even anti-thrombotic therapies are their forte [5]. We feel the need of the hour is to have a strategized and synchronized attack on COVID-19 on various fronts. Thus, it is pertinent for rheumatologists and immunologists to know about, and integrate, various diverse strategies in the battle against COVID-19. …