Ratios between the Levels of IL-18, Free IL-18, and IL-1β-Binding Protein Depending on the Severity and Outcome of COVID-19

Abstract

In 89 patients with COVID-19, the ratios between IL-18, free IL-18, and IL-18-binding protein (IL-18BP) were analyzed depending on severity and outcome of the disease. At admission to the hospital, the levels of IL-18 and free IL-18 were significantly higher than 3 months after discharge from the hospital, the levels IL-18BP of being almost the same. In patients with more severe lung injury (computed tomography data), the levels of IL-18 and free IL-18 were higher and IL-18BP levels were lower than in patients with mild and moderate COVID-19. Three months after discharge from the hospital, no differences between these parameters were found. In 9 patients who died in the hospital, free IL-18 levels were significantly higher and IL-18BP levels were lower than in survivors. Thus, high levels of bioactive free IL-18 in combination with low levels of IL-18BP can be indicative of severe inflammatory phase of COVID-19 and the risk of worse clinical outcomes.

Keywords: COVID-19; inflammation; interleukin-18; interleukin-18-binding protein; lung injury.