Antibody blockade effective in treatment of severe COVID-19

(Osaka University) A hyperinflammatory response following infection or trauma can cause the life-threatening condition cytokine release syndrome (CRS). Researchers led by Osaka University found that IL-6 signaling induces the expression of inflammatory cytokines and PAI-1 in CRS patients, causing respiratory distress and multiple organ failure, which are also observed in severe COVID-19 patients. Blockade of IL-6 signaling using a human monoclonal antibody reduced PAI-1 levels and alleviated the...