Abstract

The emergence of COVID-19, caused by the novel SARS-CoV-2 virus, has resulted in a global health crisis. One of the most severe complications of COVID-19 infection is the development of a cytokine storm, a hyperinflammatory response that contributes significantly to disease severity, multi-organ failure, and death. Cytokine storms are characterized by the excessive and uncontrolled release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which drive tissue damage, particularly in the lungs, and impair the immune system's ability to control viral replication. This article reviews the pathogenesis of cytokine storms in COVID-19, focusing on the mechanisms by which SARS-CoV-2 induces a hyper-inflammatory immune response, and discusses potential therapeutic approaches for managing cytokine storm syndrome (CSS) in COVID-19 patients.