ACE2, Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2; ARDS, acute respiratory distress syndrome; CEP, Cepharanthine; COVID-19 pandemic; COVID-19, coronavirus disease 2019; CRS, cytokine release syndrome; CTD, C-terminal domain; Drug target; EMA, European Medicines Agency; ERGIC, endoplasmic reticulum-Golgi intermediate compartment; FDA, U.S. Food and Drug Administration; JAK, Janus kinase; MODS, multiple organ dysfunction syndrome; NMPA, National Medical Products Administration; NTD, N-terminal domain; Nbs, nanobodies; RBD, receptor-binding domain; RdRp, RNA dependent RNA polymerase; SARS-CoV-2; SARS-CoV-2 variants; SARS-CoV-2, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2; STAT, Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription; TCM, traditional Chinese medicine; TCZ, Tocilizumab; Therapeutic strategies; VOC, variants of concern; VOI, variants of interest; VUM, variants under monitoring; mAb, monoclonal antibody; α1AT, alpha-1 antitrypsin