Immunology: The science of pandemics, infectious disease and COVID-19

The novel coronavirus, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)-CoV-2 originating in the City of Wuhan, China in December 2019 and spread rapidly throughout China (an epidemic). Within 2 months, it had spread throughout the entire world becoming the pandemic labeled COVID-19. As this chapter is being written (early 2021), this devastating disease remains uncontrolled, causing countless and tragic death worldwide. The life cycle of the virus including its spike protein and affinity to ACE-2 receptors is well understood, but notwithstanding vaccines (Pfizer and Moderna mRNA), antiviral drugs, and monoclonal antibodies just being FDA approved (emergency use authorization—EAU), this highly contagious agent continues to spread. Only classic public health preventive measures like isolation, social distancing, masks, and copious handwashing are effective, yet difficult to enforce with people and politics in open societies. As with any pandemic, unless herd immunity is achieved through an effective immunization program, identifying infected individuals is critical. Antigen tests (polymerase chain reaction) detect active viral infection while antibody tests identify previously infected people who might be considered henceforth immune (though inconclusive with SARS-CoV2). Perhaps the most valuable information on the disease is coming from the enormous body of AI assisted research of which this chapter addresses.