Research on the structural characteristics, mutation evolution and prevention and control strategies of SARS-CoV-2

Abstract

OVID-19, or novel coronavirus pneumonia, is a global infectious disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, which has had a profound impact on public health, socioeconomics, and people's daily lives since its outbreak in 2019. This article reviews the structural composition, mutation evolution, transmission characteristics, and prevention and control measures of SARS-CoV-2. Studies have shown that the virus is mainly composed of spike protein, nucleocapsid protein, and viral RNA. The spike protein mediates viral invasion of host cells by binding to the human ACE2 receptor and is an important target for vaccine and antiviral drug development. The nucleocapsid protein plays a crucial role in viral RNA protection and replication. As the virus continues to spread, JN.1 and its derived variants have gradually become the main circulating strains globally, and their transmissibility and immune evasion capabilities have been enhanced through continuous mutation accumulation. To prevent and control the spread of infectious diseases, wear masks, wash hands regularly, improve ventilation, receive vaccinations, maintain social distancing, stay home when ill, etc., and thereby reduce the risk of disease transmission. Among them, a multi-layered, combined prevention and control strategy will be more protective.