Covid-19 and post-acute covid-19 syndrome: From pathophysiology to novel translational applications

The new severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was responsible for a global emergency, with the declaration of a pandemic in March 2020. SARS-CoV-2 can determine coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), ranging from a mild illness to a serious condition requiring hospitalization in an intensive care unit. Furthermore, reports of persistent lung abnormalities and residual disability after a negative swab test suggest the presence of a post-acute COVID-19 syndrome, with the need for multidisciplinary rehabilitation strategies in the majority of survivors. However, the pathophysiological mechanisms of the acute and post-acute manifestations of COVID-19 have not been fully elucidated. In this Special Issue, a number of review and original articles provided a stimulating insight into the pathophysiology and diagnostics of COVID-19 and post-acute COVID-19 syndrome. Moreover, some novel prognostic and therapeutic applications were analyzed, with potential repercussions in clinical practice and future research. The need for further laboratory and translational research seems to emerge from this collection of articles, with the aim of elucidating the molecular mechanisms of COVID-19 at different stages of the disease. This could enable personalized prevention, interventional and rehabilitation strategies aimed at reducing disease progression and long-term disability.