evidence: COVID-19 is the third highly pathogenic human coronavirus disease to date. Although less deadly than SARS and MERS, the rapid spreading of this highly contagious disease has posed the severest threat to global health in this century. The SARS-CoV-2 outbreak has lasted for more than half a year now, and it is likely that this emerging virus will establish a niche in humans and coexist with us for a long time166. Before clinically approved vaccines are widely available, there is no better way to protect us from SARS-CoV-2 than personal preventive behaviours such as social distancing and wearing masks, and public health measures, including active testing, case tracing and restrictions on social gatherings. Despite a flood of SARS-CoV-2 research published every week, current knowledge of this novel coronavirus is just the tip of the iceberg. The animal origin and cross-species infection route of SARS-CoV-2 are yet to be uncovered. The molecular mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 infection pathogenesis and virus–host interactions remain largely unclear. Intensive studies on these virological profiles of SARS-CoV-2 will provide the basis for the development of preventive and therapeutic strategies against COVID-19. [...] COVID-19 vaccine and therapeutics tracker: https://biorender.com/covid-vaccine-tracker/