Why the Immune System Cannot Leave Coronavirus Alone?
Cytokine storm or (worse) hurricane is the lesser of two evils.
Upon the invasion of foreign entities, the immune system detects its unusual molecular shape that indicates a potential threat. Better safe than sorry, the immune system eliminates it, despite that it may not do the body any harm. These cases include organs transplantations, autoimmune diseases, or allergies. Similarly, for virus invasion, the immune system is programmed to eradicate it at all cost.
Inflammation in a Nutshell
Inflammation initiates the elimination process. Immune cells ramp up the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. They serve many functions: From activation of other immune cells to vasodilation (allowing more blood flow carrying immune cells) to cell damage (via mechanisms such as reactive oxygen species production, cell membrane disruption, or apoptosis induction) to clearance of cell debris to cell repair.
As inflammation causes cell damage, excessive of it harm nearby healthy cells as well. Excessive inflammation happens when the body is overwhelmed by the foreign antigens or when the immune system failed to regulate itself properly. The latter is often due to a sub-compromised immune system brought about by…
