Storm at the Time of Corona: A Glimpse at the Current Understanding and Therapeutic Opportunities of the SARS-CoV-2 Cytokine Storm

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) may lead to severe disease in some cases, leading to acute respiratory distress syndrome, multi-organ failure, and death. This severe phenotype seems to be associated with a cytokine storm and immune dysregulation. Increased pro-inflammatory cytokines and CD14(+)CD16(+) inflammatory monocytes, lymphopenia, and decreased levels of regulatory T cells are some of the immunological features that are seen in patients with SARS-CoV-2. As the outcome of SARS-CoV-2 is influenced by both viral virulence and dysregulated inflammatory response, a combination therapy approach using antiviral drugs plus anti-inflammatory treatments, such as corticosteroids, monoclonal antibodies against the IL-6 and IL-1 beta pathways, and JAK inhibitors are under clinical trials.

Automated summary

SARS-CoV-2 can cause severe disease, leading to acute respiratory distress syndrome, multi-organ failure, and death in some cases. The severe phenotype is associated with a cytokine storm and immune dysregulation, leading to changes in immunological features in patients. Current clinical trials are evaluating combination therapy approaches using antiviral drugs and anti-inflammatory treatments to improve outcomes.