cytokine storm

[ sahy-tuh-kahyn stawrm ]

noun

1. an overreaction of the immune system, in which an excess of cytokines triggers an onslaught of white blood cells that swarm an infected area of the body, resulting in inflammation, possible tissue damage, and in extreme cases, organ failure:

   A cytokine storm in the lungs of a COVID-19 patient can draw hungry white blood cells into the spaces between air sacs, blocking oxygen from reaching the blood, which can prove fatal.

Word History and Origins

Origin of cytokine storm¹

First recorded in 1990–95

Example Sentences

Plasma therapy is also indicated to prevent the cytokine storm, a stage of the infection where the body’s immune system starts attacking itself.

From Quartz

That wave of cell death further feeds an escalation of immune chemicals, known as a cytokine storm, that leads to more cell death and causes tissue and organ damage and failure.

From Science News

Clinically, one would hope that the treatment would help prevent mild disease from progressing to something more serious like pneumonia, respiratory failure, or cytokine storm.

From Fortune

What’s more, research suggests that, in the lungs, these deeply lodged virions may play an important role in a hyperactive immune response, popularly called a cytokine storm, which can actually make cases worse.

From Outside Online

They get a cytokine storm and their immune system goes into dysregulation.

From Nautilus