Although SARS-CoV-2 initially infects the respiratory tract, and lung cells, the ACE2 protein is expressed by cells from the heart, kidneys, and intestine. COVID-19 was initially described as a respiratory disease. However, as we advanced our knowledge of the virus's fundamental interactions with our cells, we learned that this disease affects multiple organs and cell types.  To develop efficient therapies and vaccines against SARS-CoV-2, we need to better understand the origins of the virus, characterize the structure of its proteins and the function of its genes, and deepen our understanding of how it affects us. Drawing a clear and comprehensive picture of SARS-CoV-2 will reveal its strengths and weaknesses and provide us with the information needed to design effective therapies in the future. On the other hand, as a result of many years of fundamental research, some of the new vaccines against COVID-19 are showing impressive efficacy and are helping to control the current pandemic. Therefore, supporting fundamental research remains crucial for granting scientific progress in the future.

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