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Interleukin-6 blocking therapy for COVID-19: From immune pathogenesis to clinical outcomes

Fan Xiao1, Ling Wu2, Xiaoxia Zhu3

  • 1Department of Pathology and Shenzhen Institute of Research and Innovation, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.

Rheumatology and Immunology Research
|June 30, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) plays a key role in severe COVID-19 inflammation. IL-6-blocking therapies show promise for treating patients, particularly those with rheumatic diseases, but further research is needed.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Rheumatology

Background:

  • Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a significant global health threat.
  • While vaccines exist, effective treatments for infected individuals are crucial.
  • Elevated proinflammatory cytokines, like interleukin-6 (IL-6), are linked to severe COVID-19 and cytokine storms.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the immunopathogenesis of COVID-19.
  • To emphasize the role of IL-6 in COVID-19.
  • To discuss the therapeutic potential of IL-6-blocking strategies for COVID-19 patients, especially those with rheumatic diseases.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent findings on COVID-19 immunopathogenesis.
  • Analysis of studies on IL-6's proinflammatory function.
  • Evaluation of clinical evidence for IL-6-blocking therapy in COVID-19.

Main Results:

  • IL-6 is a key proinflammatory cytokine implicated in severe COVID-19.
  • Clinical studies suggest IL-6-blocking therapy may benefit severe COVID-19 cases.
  • Some observational studies report no significant effect of IL-6 blockade on disease progression or mortality.

Conclusions:

  • IL-6-blocking therapy presents a potential treatment avenue for COVID-19.
  • Further investigation is warranted to clarify the efficacy of IL-6 blockade, especially in specific patient populations like those with rheumatic diseases.

Keywords:
COVID-19interleukin-6rheumatic diseasetreatment

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