Coronaviruses (CoVs) are enveloped positive-sense RNA viruses with large genomes and unique replication strategies. They cause a wide range of diseases in mammals and birds, from mild respiratory infections to severe, potentially lethal human infections. This article provides an overview of CoV replication, pathogenesis, and current prevention and treatment strategies, with a focus on SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV. CoVs belong to the *Nidovirales* order, which includes four families, and are classified into four genera: alpha, beta, gamma, and delta. The viral genome is approximately 30 kb, containing a 5′ cap and 3′ poly(A) tail, and is organized into structural and accessory genes. The replicase gene encodes nonstructural proteins, while structural proteins include spike (S), membrane (M), envelope (E), and nucleocapsid (N) proteins. The S protein mediates host cell entry by binding to receptors such as ACE2. The viral life cycle involves attachment, entry, replication, transcription, assembly, and release. The replicase polyproteins are cleaved into nonstructural proteins, which form the replicase-transcriptase complex (RTC) necessary for RNA replication and transcription. The S protein is cleaved by host proteases, and the resulting S1 and S2 subunits mediate receptor binding and membrane fusion. The M protein is the most abundant structural protein and plays a key role in virion assembly. The E protein facilitates viral assembly and release. The N protein binds to the viral genome and helps package it into viral particles. Coronaviruses can recombine, leading to genetic diversity and potential for new pathogenic strains. In animals, CoVs cause various diseases, including respiratory and gastrointestinal infections. In humans, CoVs cause mild to severe respiratory infections, with SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV being highly pathogenic. SARS-CoV originated in bats and spread to humans through intermediate hosts, while MERS-CoV is primarily transmitted from dromedary camels to humans. Diagnosis of CoVs typically involves RT-PCR, and there are no specific antiviral treatments. Prevention and control measures include vaccination, quarantine, and public health surveillance. Despite challenges in vaccine development, research continues to identify new therapeutic targets and improve understanding of CoV pathogenesis. The ability of CoVs to recombine, mutate, and infect multiple species poses ongoing public health concerns.Coronaviruses (CoVs) are enveloped positive-sense RNA viruses with large genomes and unique replication strategies. They cause a wide range of diseases in mammals and birds, from mild respiratory infections to severe, potentially lethal human infections. This article provides an overview of CoV replication, pathogenesis, and current prevention and treatment strategies, with a focus on SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV. CoVs belong to the *Nidovirales* order, which includes four families, and are classified into four genera: alpha, beta, gamma, and delta. The viral genome is approximately 30 kb, containing a 5′ cap and 3′ poly(A) tail, and is organized into structural and accessory genes. The replicase gene encodes nonstructural proteins, while structural proteins include spike (S), membrane (M), envelope (E), and nucleocapsid (N) proteins. The S protein mediates host cell entry by binding to receptors such as ACE2. The viral life cycle involves attachment, entry, replication, transcription, assembly, and release. The replicase polyproteins are cleaved into nonstructural proteins, which form the replicase-transcriptase complex (RTC) necessary for RNA replication and transcription. The S protein is cleaved by host proteases, and the resulting S1 and S2 subunits mediate receptor binding and membrane fusion. The M protein is the most abundant structural protein and plays a key role in virion assembly. The E protein facilitates viral assembly and release. The N protein binds to the viral genome and helps package it into viral particles. Coronaviruses can recombine, leading to genetic diversity and potential for new pathogenic strains. In animals, CoVs cause various diseases, including respiratory and gastrointestinal infections. In humans, CoVs cause mild to severe respiratory infections, with SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV being highly pathogenic. SARS-CoV originated in bats and spread to humans through intermediate hosts, while MERS-CoV is primarily transmitted from dromedary camels to humans. Diagnosis of CoVs typically involves RT-PCR, and there are no specific antiviral treatments. Prevention and control measures include vaccination, quarantine, and public health surveillance. Despite challenges in vaccine development, research continues to identify new therapeutic targets and improve understanding of CoV pathogenesis. The ability of CoVs to recombine, mutate, and infect multiple species poses ongoing public health concerns.