SARS-CoV-2 infection: The role of cytokines in COVID-19 disease

Cytokine Growth Factor Rev. 2020 Aug:54:62-75. doi: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2020.06.001. Epub 2020 Jun 2.

Abstract

COVID-19 disease, caused by infection with SARS-CoV-2, is related to a series of physiopathological mechanisms that mobilize a wide variety of biomolecules, mainly immunological in nature. In the most severe cases, the prognosis can be markedly worsened by the hyperproduction of mainly proinflammatory cytokines, such as IL-1, IL-6, IL-12, IFN-γ, and TNF-α, preferentially targeting lung tissue. This study reviews published data on alterations in the expression of different cytokines in patients with COVID-19 who require admission to an intensive care unit. Data on the implication of cytokines in this disease and their effect on outcomes will support the design of more effective approaches to the management of COVID-19.

Keywords: COVID-19; Chemokines; Cytokine storm; Growth factors; SARS-CoV-2.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Betacoronavirus / immunology*
  • COVID-19
  • Coronavirus Infections / immunology
  • Coronavirus Infections / mortality
  • Coronavirus Infections / pathology*
  • Cytokine Release Syndrome / immunology
  • Cytokine Release Syndrome / pathology*
  • Cytokines / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Pandemics
  • Pneumonia, Viral / immunology
  • Pneumonia, Viral / mortality
  • Pneumonia, Viral / pathology*
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Signal Transduction / immunology

Substances

  • Cytokines