At The Forefront: A Deadly Immune System “Cytokine Storm”

A little-understood immune system overreaction to the flu, known as a
“cytokine storm,” can sometimes lead to deadly fluid buildup in the
lungs. The cytokine storm is now seen as likely playing a role in the
1918-20 “Spanish flu” – which killed more than 50 million people
worldwide, as well as the H1N1 “swine flu” and H5N1 “bird flu” of recent
years.



Scientists at The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) have mapped key
elements of this deadly immune response and identified an
anti-inflammatory drug that successfully prevents the reaction in
animals.

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