Elsevier established a free COVID-19 resource center in January 2020, offering English and Mandarin information on SARS-CoV-2. The center grants permission for free access to research in PubMed Central and other repositories. The review discusses SARS-CoV-2 transmission, pathogenesis, and immune evasion. SARS-CoV-2, a novel Betacoronavirus, shares similarities with SARS-CoV but is more transmissible. It binds to ACE2 and uses TMPRSS2 and cathepsin L for entry. The virus replicates in the lungs, with ACE2 expression in various tissues. SARS-CoV-2 has a unique furin cleavage site, enhancing transmission. The D614G mutation increases infectivity. SARS-CoV-2 infects upper and lower respiratory tract cells, leading to severe pneumonia. It can also infect the gastrointestinal tract, with fecal-oral transmission possible. Transmission occurs via respiratory droplets, aerosols, and contact. SARS-CoV-2 has a higher basic reproduction number (R0) and can spread before symptoms appear. It causes severe immune responses, including cytokine storms. Animal models, including mice and non-human primates, are used to study pathogenesis and test vaccines. SARS-CoV-2 evades innate immunity by inhibiting IFN signaling. These models help understand disease mechanisms and evaluate treatments. The review highlights the need for further research on immune responses and vaccine efficacy. The global scientific community must continue to collaborate to combat the pandemic.Elsevier established a free COVID-19 resource center in January 2020, offering English and Mandarin information on SARS-CoV-2. The center grants permission for free access to research in PubMed Central and other repositories. The review discusses SARS-CoV-2 transmission, pathogenesis, and immune evasion. SARS-CoV-2, a novel Betacoronavirus, shares similarities with SARS-CoV but is more transmissible. It binds to ACE2 and uses TMPRSS2 and cathepsin L for entry. The virus replicates in the lungs, with ACE2 expression in various tissues. SARS-CoV-2 has a unique furin cleavage site, enhancing transmission. The D614G mutation increases infectivity. SARS-CoV-2 infects upper and lower respiratory tract cells, leading to severe pneumonia. It can also infect the gastrointestinal tract, with fecal-oral transmission possible. Transmission occurs via respiratory droplets, aerosols, and contact. SARS-CoV-2 has a higher basic reproduction number (R0) and can spread before symptoms appear. It causes severe immune responses, including cytokine storms. Animal models, including mice and non-human primates, are used to study pathogenesis and test vaccines. SARS-CoV-2 evades innate immunity by inhibiting IFN signaling. These models help understand disease mechanisms and evaluate treatments. The review highlights the need for further research on immune responses and vaccine efficacy. The global scientific community must continue to collaborate to combat the pandemic.