Deadly immune 'storm' caused by emergent flu infections

Scientists have mapped key elements of a severe immune overreaction --- a "cytokine storm" --- that can both sicken and kill patients who are infected with certain strains of flu virus. A cytokine storm is an overproduction of immune cells and their activating compounds (cytokines), which, in a flu infection, is often associated with a surge of activated immune cells into the lungs. The resulting lung inflammation and fluid buildup can lead to respiratory distress and can be contaminated by a se...