Cytokine storm: A substantial peril to human health

Immune system is a magnificent integration of cells and endogenous proteins that work together to bestow defense against infections Cytokines are involved in a number of pathological and immune responses having plethora of activities Under usual circumstances, the cytokines facilitate and coordinate with the various components of immune system and act as a paramount category of signaling molecules Cytokine storm is a rigorous increase in the concentration of cytokines in response to an infection or inflammation It is a cascade of catastrophic immune responses that can cause many adverse setbacks Cytokine storm syndrome is a set of symptoms that arises due to immune response against specific pathogens and can lead to uncontrolled inflammatory conditions as well as acute respiratory distress It may result in severe tissue damage or mortality The impact of seriousness in COVID-19 patients has been associated with excessive production of proinflammatory cytokines and pervasive tissue injury resulting in multi-organ failure The excessive production of proinflammatory cytokines which promote systemic inflammations can also be predicted by exorbitant neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio Neutrophilia and lymphocytopenia are the physiological responses of immune system against systemic inflammations Patients with severe COVID-19 have high serum levels of inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1, IL-6 and TNF-α Targeting the cytokines during management of COVID-19 patients can reduce the risk of mortality and can ameliorate the defaced malady also