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Soluble interleukin-6 receptor in the COVID-19 cytokine storm syndrome

Luke Y C Chen1,2, Catherine M Biggs3, Shahin Jamal4

  • 1Division of Hematology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V5Z1M9, Canada.

Cell Reports. Medicine
|April 26, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) blockade may improve severe COVID-19 outcomes. Understanding the IL-6:soluble IL-6 receptor (sIL-6R) interaction is key to defining and treating the COVID-19 cytokine storm syndrome.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Virology
  • Critical Care Medicine

Background:

  • Severe COVID-19 is associated with a cytokine storm syndrome.
  • Interleukin-6 (IL-6) blockade has shown potential in reducing mortality.
  • However, IL-6 levels are only modestly elevated in most patients, suggesting other mechanisms are involved.

Keywords:
COVID-19cytokine storminterleukin-6interleukin-6 receptorthreshold concepttocilizumab

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