Hyperinflammation, apoptosis, and organ damage

The cytokine storm (CS) in hyperinflammation is characterized by high levels of cytokines, extreme activation of innate as well as adaptive immune cells and initiation of apoptosis. High levels of apoptotic cells overwhelm the proper recognition and removal system of these cells. Phosphatidylserine on the apoptotic cell surface, which normally provides a recognition signal for removal, becomes a target for hemostatic proteins and secretory phospholipase A2. The dysregulation of these normal pathways in hemostasis and the inflammasome result in a prothrombotic state, cellular death, and end-organ damage. In this review, we provide the argument that this imbalance in recognition and removal is a common denominator regardless of the inflammatory trigger. The complex reaction of the immune defense system in hyperinflammation leads to self-inflicted damage. This common endpoint may provide additional options to monitor the progression of the inflammatory syndrome, predict severity, and may add to possible treatment strategies.