Publications

The immune system protects the host organism from exogenous and endogenouspathogens. A finely tuned andbalanced array of cytokines, coagulation factors, andcomplement together with immunocompetent cells protect thebody from a wide variety ofknown and unknown invaders. Usually, pro- and anti-inflammation are tightly regulatedtoadequately counter the infectious event. A pro-inflammatory milieu typically dominatesthe initial phase; however,anti-inflammation is initiated early to reach a new equilibriumand to start tissue repair processes. Various pathogensand malignant and autoimmune diseases as well as genetic changes, but also iatrogenic interventions, can disturb thisequilibrium so that an excessive release of cytokines can occur. In its severe (albeit rare) form, this is referred to ascytokine storm. As a result, positive feedback mechanisms and self-sustained activation of immune cells occur. Theresulting hyperinflammation can lead to a life-threatening condition.