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Published in: Virology Journal 1/2022

Open Access 01-12-2022 | Anakinra | Review

COVID-19 infection: an overview on cytokine storm and related interventions

Authors: Soheila Montazersaheb, Seyed Mahdi Hosseiniyan Khatibi, Mohammad Saeid Hejazi, Vahideh Tarhriz, Afsaneh Farjami, Faramarz Ghasemian Sorbeni, Raheleh Farahzadi, Tohid Ghasemnejad

Published in: Virology Journal | Issue 1/2022

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Abstract

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has posed a significant threat to global health. This virus affects the respiratory tract and usually leads to pneumonia in most patients and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in 15% of cases. ARDS is one of the leading causes of death in patients with COVID-19 and is mainly triggered by elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, referred to as cytokine storm. Interleukins, such as interleukin-6 (1L-6), interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-17 (IL-17), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) play a very significant role in lung damage in ARDS patients through the impairments of the respiratory epithelium. Cytokine storm is defined as acute overproduction and uncontrolled release of pro-inflammatory markers, both locally and systemically. The eradication of COVID-19 is currently practically impossible, and there is no specific treatment for critically ill patients with COVID-19; however, suppressing the inflammatory response may be a possible strategy. In light of this, we review the efficacy of specific inhibitors of IL6, IL1, IL-17, and TNF-α for treating COVID-19-related infections to manage COVID-19 and improve the survival rate for patients suffering from severe conditions.

Graphical Abstract

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Metadata
Title
COVID-19 infection: an overview on cytokine storm and related interventions
Authors
Soheila Montazersaheb
Seyed Mahdi Hosseiniyan Khatibi
Mohammad Saeid Hejazi
Vahideh Tarhriz
Afsaneh Farjami
Faramarz Ghasemian Sorbeni
Raheleh Farahzadi
Tohid Ghasemnejad
Publication date
01-12-2022
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Virology Journal / Issue 1/2022
Electronic ISSN: 1743-422X
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12985-022-01814-1

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