IL-24 in COVID-19 Patients: Correlations with Disease Progression

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Virology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Interleukin-24 (IL-24) is a cytokine involved in immune responses and apoptosis.
• IL-24's role in viral infections, including COVID-19, requires further investigation.
• Understanding IL-24's association with COVID-19 severity is crucial for potential therapeutic strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between serum IL-24 levels and the severity of COVID-19.
• To determine if IL-24 can serve as a biomarker for COVID-19 disease progression.

Main Methods:

• Prospective, bi-center cross-sectional study involving 41 COVID-19 patients.
• Measurement of IL-24 serum levels using ELISA assay during acute or convalescent phases.
• Analysis of inflammatory markers and kidney/liver function parameters, correlated with IL-24 levels.

Main Results:

• Elevated IL-24 serum levels were found in patients with mild COVID-19 compared to those with critical, severe, or moderate disease.
• Higher IL-24 levels correlated with the absence of oxygenation disorders.
• A negative correlation was observed between IL-24 levels and markers of inflammation and impaired liver/kidney function.

Conclusions:

• Elevated IL-24 serum levels are associated with milder COVID-19 disease courses.
• IL-24 may play a protective role in COVID-19 by modulating immune responses and promoting apoptosis.
• Reduced IL-24 levels in severe cases suggest impaired immune regulation, indicating potential as a biomarker and therapeutic target.