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Targeting cytokine storm as the potential anti-viral therapy: Implications in regulating SARS-CoV-2 pathogenicity
Subhasish Maity1, Ayantika Santra2, Ananda Vardhan Hebbani2
1Department of Biotechnology, REVA University, Bengaluru 560064, Karnataka, India.
Abstract:
The latest global pandemic corona virus disease - 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the virus SARS-CoV-2 is still a matter of worrying concern both for the scientific communities and health care organizations. COVID-19 disease is proved to be a highly contagious disease transmitted through respiratory droplets and even close contact with affected individuals. COVID-19 disease is also understood to exhibit diverse symptoms of ranging severities i.e., from mild fatigue to death. Affected individuals' susceptibility to induce immunologic dysregulation phenomena termed 'cytokine storm' seems to be playing the damaging role of escalating the disease manifestation from mild to severe. Cytokine storm in patients with severe symptoms is understood to be characterized by enhanced serum levels of many cytokines including interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, IP-10/CXCL10, TNF, interferon-γ, MIP-1α, MIP-1β and VEGF. Since cytokine production in general is the most important antiviral defense response, understanding the COVID-19 associated cytokine storm in particular and differentiating it from the regular cytokine production response becomes crucial in developing an effective therapeutic strategy.This review focuses on the potential targeting of COVID-19 associated cytokine storm and its challenges.
Insights
The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, presents a significant global health challenge. This review explores targeting the dangerous cytokine storm associated with severe COVID-19, crucial for effective therapeutic strategies.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, remains a major global health concern.
- COVID-19 is highly contagious and exhibits a wide range of symptom severities.
- A 'cytokine storm,' characterized by elevated cytokine levels, is linked to severe COVID-19 progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the potential of targeting the cytokine storm in COVID-19.
- To differentiate COVID-19-associated cytokine storm from normal immune responses.
- To identify challenges in developing therapeutic strategies for cytokine storm.
Main Methods:
- This is a review article, synthesizing existing research.
- Focuses on understanding the mechanisms of cytokine storm in COVID-19.
- Examines potential therapeutic targets and their associated challenges.
Main Results:
- Severe COVID-19 is associated with elevated levels of specific cytokines (e.g., IL-6, TNF-γ).
- Cytokine storm contributes to disease escalation from mild to severe.
- Understanding this phenomenon is key to effective treatment.
Conclusions:
- Targeting the cytokine storm is a promising therapeutic avenue for severe COVID-19.
- Differentiating pathological cytokine storms from beneficial immune responses is critical.
- Further research is needed to overcome challenges in developing targeted therapies.
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