Tocilizumab for the Treatment of COVID-19-Induced Cytokine Storm and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: A Case Series From a Rural Level 1 Trauma Center in Western Pennsylvania

Highlights on molecular targets in the management of COVID-19: Possible role of pharmacogenomics

By the end of 2022, there had been a reduction in new cases and deaths caused by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). At the same time, new variants of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 virus were being discovered. Critically ill patients with COVID-19 have been found to have high serum levels of proinflammatory cytokines, especially interleukin (IL)-6. COVID-19-related mortality has been attributed in most cases to the cytokine storm caused by increased levels of inflammatory cytokines. Dexamethasone in low doses and immunomodulators such as IL-6 inhibitors are recommended to overcome the cytokine storm. This current narrative review highlights the place of other therapeutic choices such as proteasome inhibitors, protease inhibitors and nuclear factor kappa B inhibitors in the treatment of patients with COVID-19.

Tocilizumab and COVID-19: Timing of Administration and Efficacy

Elevated concentrations of interleukin-6 have been demonstrated to be an important key factor in COVID-19 host immune impairment. It represents an important prognostic factor of harm associated with COVID-19 infection by stimulating a vigorous proinflammatory response, leading to the so-called “cytokine storm”. Therefore, immunomodulatory interventions targeting interleukin-6 receptor antagonism have been investigated as potential treatments to counterbalance the host immune dysregulation and to support the advantageous effects of corticosteroids. Tocilizumab is a recombinant humanized monoclonal antibody that has gained much interest during the COVID-19 pandemic as an interleukin-6 receptor antagonist. Various early observational studies have reported beneficial effects of tocilizumab. Moreover, consequent randomized controlled trials have subsequently shown significant positive results about tocilizumab efficacy and safety, focusing on outcomes like mortality, risk of intensive care unit admission, and the need for mechanical ventilation, while others presented conflicting findings. In this review, we first described the pathophysiology of COVID-19 infection while highlighting the role of interleukin-6. Furthermore, we also discussed the non-conclusive evidence about tocilizumab to be used as the standard of care therapy for all patients with COVID-19 pneumonia, as well as its beneficial effects in selected patients.

The host immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 and therapeutic strategies in the treatment of COVID-19 cytokine storm

<abstract> <p>The ravaging pandemic caused by SAR-CoV-2, a member of β-coronaviruses, marks the end of the year 2019. Despite being identified and classified at the earliest stage, the virus records worldwide soaring transmissibility, morbidity, and mortality. Global data have shown the infection with SARS-CoV-2 to be severe among at least 15% of the infected; the aged and those with premorbid conditions like cancer, cardiovascular, and respiratory diseases. The highest prevalence and mortality are seen in the Americas, with African countries least affected. Severe respiratory distress and multiorgan failure are the usual findings in severe cases. A hyperinflammatory, fulminant, hypercytokinemia that is often further complicated by hypercoagulopathy and multiorgan failure has been reported extensively among severely infected patients. Scientists describe hyper-activated immune response mediated by macrophages secreting copious amounts of interleukin (IL)-6 forming the epicenter of cytokine storm (CS), thereby perpetuating signaling cascade through JAK/Kinase pathway that yields a hypercytokinemia. Researchers globally are exploring JAK/kinase inhibitors, immunomodulatory (immunosuppressive) therapy, cytokines, and cytokine receptor blockers for CS management. In which interestingly some of these agents possess antiviral activity. Here, we reviewed published studies with their respective outcome. However, a lot needs to be done to address the CS of COVID-19 to avert its fatal outcome.</p> </abstract>