Title:The Role of Tocilizumab in Cytokine Storm and Improving Outcomes in COVID-19
Volume: 15
Issue: 2
Author(s): Afroze Ali*, Milad H. Kamjani and Marc M. Kesselman
Affiliation:
- Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL,United States
Keywords:
Tocilizumab, COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, cytokine storm, cytokine release syndrome, IL-6.
Abstract: To date, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARSCoV-
2) has infected millions of individuals worldwide. This virus causes coronavirus
disease 2019 (COVID-19) and has led to numerous deaths worldwide. A
large percentage of infected patients present asymptomatically, augmenting the
spread of the virus. Symptomatic COVID-19 commonly causes mild to severe
respiratory disease and fever, but some individuals experience serious complications
resulting in death. Immune compromised, high risk, and elderly individuals
are at an increased risk of more severe consequences of the illness such as respiratory
failure, organ dysfunction, and shock. Cytokine storm (also known as cytokine
release syndrome (CRS)), a systemic inflammatory response that can be
triggered by an infection, has been associated with the symptom progression of
COVID-19. This review evaluates several published studies that have implemented
tocilizumab (TCZ), an IL-6 receptor antibody (US20120253016A1), in
COVID-19 treatment. Outcomes and biomarkers of patients treated with TCZ are
compared to patients treated with standard of care regimens. Interleukin-6 (IL-6),
a prominent inflammatory cytokine involved in CRS in various inflammatory
conditions, may have a vital role in the underlying mechanism involved in debilitating
SARS-CoV-2 infections and could serve as a viable treatment target.
Studies suggest that TCZ may aid in the recovery of patients with COVID-19
and reduce mortality.
