An update on cytokine storm in covid-19 infection: Pivotal to the survival of the patients
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Date
2023
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
International Journal of Advanced Research in Biological Sciences
Abstract
The immune system protects the host organism from exogenous and endogenous pathogens. A finely tuned and balanced array of cytokines, coagulation factors, and complement together with immune competent cells protect the body from a wide variety of known and unknown invaders. Usually, pro- and anti-inflammation are tightly regulated to adequately counter the infectious event. A pro-inflammatory milieu typically dominates the initial phase; however, anti-inflammation is initiated early to reach a new equilibrium and to start tissue repair processes. Various pathogens and malignant and autoimmune diseases as well as genetic changes, but also iatrogenic interventions, can disturb this equilibrium so that an excessive release of cytokines can occur. In its severe (albeit rare) form, this is referred to as cytokine storm. As a result, positive feedback mechanisms and self-sustained activation of immune cells occur. The resulting hyper inflammation can lead to a life-threatening condition