Introduction:

COVID-19 is the disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Though most patients present mild or moderate symptoms, 5% develop severe respiratory syndrome. Awareness of the dynamics of the immune response to SARS-CoV-2 infection is essential for the appropriate management of patients.

Objective:

Describe the essential elements of the dynamics of the immune response to SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Methods:

A review was conducted of updated literature contained in bibliographic databases. A total 40 publications were consulted. An analysis was performed of the quality and reliability of the papers selected.

Data analysis and integration:

In the initial stage of the immune response to SARS-CoV-2 there is a predominance of innate defense mechanisms aimed at eliminating the virus and preventing the progress of the disease toward severity. If the immune system fails to eradicate the virus, immune dysregulation will occur and considerable damage will result from tissue inflammation. Immunotherapy should focus on stimulating the first (protective) stage and delete the second. An appropriate immune response is vital in the combat against coronavirus infections.

Conclusions:

The dynamics of the antiviral response in SARS-CoV-2 patients are essential elements conditioning the severity of the disease. Occurrence of the cytokine storm resulting from immune dysregulation has been cited as the primary cause of the severe respiratory syndrome developing in these patients. Better knowledge about the immunopathogenic mechanisms involved is indispensable to develop highly efficient drugs.

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