Relationship between IL-6 and COVID-19: to be considered during treatment

The detection and control of pro-inflammatory response is crucial in the early stages of viral infection. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an emerging viral disease of global concern and optimal treatment has yet to be determined. Unknown response of treatment of COVID-19 is important during patient monitoring. IL-6 is one of the key cytokines after activated macrophages. Therefore, control of systemic IL-6 levels in SARS-CoV-2 infected patients may be a parameter for COVID-19 disease. This review is focused on the induction of IL-6 after viral infections as a target molecule for monitoring cellular response.