Cytokine Storm: A Suicidal Immune Response to Novel Corona Virus

Abstract

SARS-CoV-2 virus is responsible for the COVID-19 disease in patients. Only 15-20 % of COVID- 19 patients have developed severe pulmonary symptoms and illness, which are fatal to patients. Hyperimmune response to the SARS-CoV-2 virus by the host#x2019;s immune system causes the release and over production of certain kinds of inflammatory mediators and cytokines. And it results in the cytokine storm. Cytokine storm produces the hyper inflammatory reaction, which deteriorates the cells and tissue. This type of immune response is host killing and suicidal response to the SARS-CoV-2 virus by the host. This suicidal response ultimately leads to lung damage, respiratory tract pneumonia, ARDS, multi-organ failure at a later stage and ultimately death. Hence, it needs to suppress the hyper-functioning of the immune system to inhibit the cytokine release and cytokine storm. Anti-inflammatory and immuno-modulatory drugs can be repurposed to manage the cytokine storm and hyper-immune response. Inhibition and management of the host#x2019;s suicidal immune response and cytokine storm, could be life-saving and reduce the mortality rate in COVID-19 patients.