Cytokine storm in COVID-19 pathway

Cytokines are released by a range of immune cells, and they intricately regulate immune responses, impacting inflammation, immune cell activation, and other related processes. The immune system strives to maintain a delicate balance between anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory states. Disruption of this equilibrium can trigger excessive cytokine release, initiating a harmful feedback loop known as the cytokine storm. This phenomenon can result in systemic damage, multi-organ failure, or even death.

The cytokine storm emerged as a critical factor in COVID-19 infections, prompting the evaluation of various therapeutics to mitigate this response to reduce subsequent damage.