cytokine storm
noun
plural cytokine storms
: the uncontrolled, sometimes life-threatening, excessive release of cytokines (such as chemokines, interferons, or interleukins) in the body from an aggressive, pro-inflammatory immune response resulting from overreaction of the immune system (as to an infectious disease or immunotherapy)
Cytokines are messengers that normally help the body's immune system. But in a cytokine storm far too many are released, and they wind up killing both healthy and diseased cells.—Mark Johnson
… a cytokine storm is an SOS signal that causes the immune system to launch its entire arsenal of weapons all at once. This last-ditch, kamikaze attack hurts the virus. But it leaves behind tons of collateral damage. Blood vessels take the brunt of it.—Michaeleen Doucleff
see also cytokine storm syndrome
Cite this Entry
“Cytokine storm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cytokine%20storm. Accessed 11 Mar. 2025.
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