The Novel Coronavirus and Inflammation

J A George; E S Mayne

doi:10.1007/978-3-030-59261-5_11

The Novel Coronavirus and Inflammation

Adv Exp Med Biol. 2021:1321:127-138. doi: 10.1007/978-3-030-59261-5_11.

Authors

J A George¹, E S Mayne²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Chemical Pathology, National Health Laboratory Services and Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
² Department of Immunology, National Health Laboratory Services and Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa. Elizabeth.mayne@nhls.ac.za.

PMID: 33656719
DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-59261-5_11

Abstract

The SARS-CoV-2 virus which causes COVID-19 disease was initially described in the Hubei Province of China and has since spread to more than 200 countries and territories of the world. Severe cases of the disease are characterised by release of high levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and other inflammatory mediators in a process characterised as a cytokine storm. These inflammatory mediators are associated with pathological leukocyte activation states with tissue damage. Here, we review these effects with a focus on their potential use in diagnosis, patient stratification and prognosis, as well as new drug targets.

Keywords: Biomarker; COVID-19; Cytokine storm; Inflammation; Pandemic; SARS-CoV-2; Therapeutic target.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

COVID-19*
China
Cytokine Release Syndrome
Cytokines
Humans
Inflammation
SARS-CoV-2*

Substances

Cytokines