Mitochondria – in the crossfire of SARS-CoV-2 and immunity

Summary The pathophysiology, immune reaction, differential vulnerability of different population groups and viral host immune system evasion strategies of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection are not yet well understood Here, we reviewed the multitude of known strategies of coronaviruses and other viruses to usurp mitochondria-associated mechanisms involved in the host innate immune response and put them in context with the current knowledge on SARS-CoV-2 We argue that maintenance of mitochondrial integrity is essential for adequate innate immune system responses and to blunt mitochondrial modulation by SARS-CoV-2 Mitochondrial health thus may determine differential vulnerabilities to SARS-CoV-2 infection rendering markers of mitochondrial functions promising potential biomarkers for SARS-CoV-2 infection risk and severity of outcome Current knowledge gaps on our understanding of mitochondrial involvement in SARS-CoV-2 infection, life-style and pharmacological strategies to improve mitochondrial integrity and potential reciprocal interactions with chronic and age-related diseases, e g Parkinson’s Disease, are pointed out