Human Coronaviruses (HCoV), periodically emerging across the world, are potential threat to humans such as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) – diseases termed as COVID-19. Current SARS-CoV-2 outbreak have fueled ongoing efforts to exploit various viral target proteins for therapy, but strategies aimed at blocking the viral proteins as in drug and vaccine development have largely failed. In fact, evidence has now shown that coronaviruses undergoes rapid recombination to generate new strains of altered virulence; additionally, escaped the host antiviral defense system and target humoral immune system which further results in severe deterioration of the body such as by cytokine storm. This demands the understanding of phenotypic and genotypic classification, and pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 for the production of potential therapy. In lack of clear clinical evidences for the pathogenesis of COVID-19, comparative analysis of previous pandemic HCoVs associated immunological responses can provide insights into COVID-19 pathogenesis. In this review, we summarize the possible origin and transmission mode of CoVs and the current understanding on the viral genome integrity of known pandemic virus against SARS-CoV-2. We also consider the host immune response and viral evasion based on available clinical evidences which would be helpful to remodel COVID-19 pathogenesis; and hence, development of therapeutics against broad spectrum of coronaviruses.

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A new Coronaviridae strain, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), emerged from Wuhan city of China and caused one of the substantial global health calamities in December 2019. Even though several vaccines and drugs have been developed worldwide since COVID-19, a cost-effective drug with the least side effects is still unavailable. Currently, plant-derived compounds are mostly preferred to develop antiviral therapeutics due to its less toxicity, easy access, and cost-effective characteristics. Therefore, in this study, 124 phytochemical compounds from plants of Lauraceae family with medicinal properties were virtually screened against SARS-CoV-2 Mpro. Identification of four phytomolecules, i.e., cassameridine, laetanine, litseferine and cassythicine, with docking scores −9.3, −8.8, −8.6, and −8.6 kcal/mol, respectively, were undertaken by virtual screening, and molecular docking. Furthermore, the molecular dynamic simulation and essential dynamics analysis have contributed in understanding the stability and inhibitory effect of these selected compounds. These phytomolecules can be considered for further in vitro and in vivo experimental study to develop anti-SARS-CoV-2 therapeutics targeting the main protease (Mpro).

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Agro inputs are increasing globally day by day by the farmers. However, production, its quality and productivity are not increasing proportionate to incremental expenditure on farming; thus causing agriculture becoming more and more unviable proposition in today's context. Synthetic fertilizers and pesticides are causing unbearable damage to ecology and environment and agriculture cannot sustain on continuous use of such types of fertilizers and pesticides. Synthetic pesticides have been used to control the insects since a long time. This practice gradually affected on the quality and quantity of plants by degrading them. The use of synthetic pesticides on smallscale farms is generally not advocated because the approach lacks sustainability and raises environmental and health concerns. These synthetic pesticides not only affect the negative impact on plants but many farmers simply cannot afford the cost of such pesticides. Therefore, it is high time to screen for safe and effective biodegradable pesticides which is cost-effective with non-toxic effects on non-target organisms. The present review includes the prospects and utilization of plant extracts as natural weapon against various insects.