Abstract

The SARS-CoV-2 infection has been considered a global pandemic due to its widespread transmission and high rate of fatality. As of April 11, 2020, globally, there are 1.76 million confirmed cases of COVID-19, of which 108,281 people succumbed to the disease. In the absence of therapeutic intervention and a possible vaccine candidate, the spread of the disease and associated fatalities are on the rise. The epidemiological data indicate age and country-specific bias in the spread and severity of COVID-19. In this review, we discussed the recent update on the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 among men and women, including children. Further, we also discuss the role of the cellular receptors and co-receptors used by the virus to enter host cells in the virus pathogenesis on differential infection among men and women. Further, highlighted the co-morbidity of COVID-19 with cardio-metabolic disease, and the potential treatments to control SARS-CoV-2 infection. Finally, we summarize the prospective treatment options that have been evaluated or are in the pipeline at different stages of clinical trials to fight against COVID-19.