Over the past year we have endured the Covid-19 pandemic. Accumulating evidence suggests that the host immunity response is contributing in severe forms COVID-19 caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). COVID-19 causes mild to severe illness with high morbidity and mortality
Over the past year we have endured the Covid-19 pandemic. Accumulating evidence suggests that the host immunity response is contributing in severe forms COVID-19 caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). COVID-19 causes mild to severe illness with high morbidity and mortality, especially in preexisting risk groups. These immunologic reactions in severe COVID-19 may characterize the cytokine storm that is associated with untoward clinicopathological consequences. The cytokine storm is an out-of-control cytokine release that has been observed in some infectious and noninfectious diseases, leading to a hyperinflammation condition in the host. This immune response has been associated with a higher intensive care unit (ICU) admissions and mortality in COVID-19. In fact, higher concentrations of granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF), interferon gamma-induced protein 10 (IP10), monocyte chemo-attractant protein 1 (MCP1), macrophage inflammatory protein 1alpha (MIP1A), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) in comparison to non-ICU patients were reported in patients with COVID-19. In another study, higher levels of interleukin-2 (IL-2) receptor, interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), interleukin-10 (IL-10), and TNFα were found in deceased patients with COVID-19 compared to patients who had recovered from the disease. This uncontrolled cytokine response might be accompanied with more immune cells activation including T helper 17 cell (Th17) differentiation from CD4+ lymphocytes.
As you can tell a lot is going on with the immune system with Covid-19. Your task is to describe what is going on with this cytokine storm. What are cytokines and chemokines? What is their role in the immune system? What is the complement system? How is it activated (think C-reactive proteins) and what is its role in the immune response? What is meant by the adaptive immune system? What are the functions of B lymphocytes, cytotoxic T cells and helper T cells? How does the Covid-19 vaccine work?
To help you out, you can view the Michael Saag videos linked here.
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