Cytokine Storm, Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), Endothelial Dysfunction and microclots/thrombosis?

Could a virus be the stimulus for cytokine production?

 

It is well established, but rarely tested, that a cytokine storm is an overactive immune response characterized by the excessive release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. (ANA, CRP, and CBC tests are necessary)

It can occur in various conditions, such as severe infections (e.g., COVID-19), (and other viruses), autoimmune diseases, and after certain treatments. 

Serositis and lymphopenia are common features of systemic lupus erythematosus following SARS-CoV-2 infection: A case report and literature review

These cells are called NKG2D+CD8+ T cells and researchers say their aggressive response is responsible for neurological damage suffered from infections beyond just Zika, like COVID-19 and even septic shock.

The aggressive response is the result of the body producing large amounts of inflammatory proteins called cytokines, which in moderation help to coordinate the body’s response in battling an infection or injury by telling immune cells where to go and what to do when they arrive.

“If our body’s immune cells overreact and over produce inflammatory cytokines, this condition will lead to non-specific activation of our immune cells which in turn leads to collateral damage. This can have severe consequences if it happens in the brain,”

Immune response, not acute viral infections, responsible for neurological damage, McMaster researchers discover
https://healthsci.mcmaster.ca/immune-response-not-acute-viral-infections-responsible-for-neurological-damage-mcmaster-researchers-discover/

This hyperinflammation can lead to severe tissue damage, organ failure, and potentially death if not managed promptly.

Yes. When a virus enters the body, the immune system's cells immune and release cytokines as a  inflammatory response associated with many viral infections known as cytokine release syndrome (CRS)

Systemic activation of mast cells is associated with vascular pathologies during viral infections. 

Latest example: Mast cells also activated by SARS-CoV-2 release histamine which increases IL-1 levels causing cytokine storm and inflammatory reaction in COVID-19.

Cytokines also contribute to the inflammatory response associated with many viral infections. They can cause blood vessels to become more permeable and lead to: Endothelial Dysfunction:
The endothelium is the inner lining of blood vessels, and when it becomes damaged or dysfunctional, it can promote clot formation. Conditions like atherosclerosis, hypertension, and diabetes can contribute to endothelial dysfunction.  

 

Can Herpes simplex viruses (HSV), which cause oral herpes (HSV-1) and genital herpes (HSV-2), lead to inflammation? Yes, if not treated.
And again inflammation can contribute to the formation of microclots, a process known as thrombosis. 

For this reason it is important to avoid and/or tread a cytokine storm. 

Cytokine storms can be triggered by various factors, including:

1. Infections: Certain infections, such as severe cases of influenza, COVID-19, or some types of viral and bacterial infections, can trigger cytokine storms.

2. Immunotherapies: Some cancer treatments, like chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy or checkpoint inhibitors, can lead to cytokine storms as the immune system becomes highly activated.

3. Autoimmune diseases: In some autoimmune diseases, the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues, leading to cytokine storms in affected areas.

4. Certain medications: Some drugs, such as certain monoclonal antibodies or interleukin-2 (IL-2) therapy, can induce cytokine release syndrome as a side effect.

The symptoms of a cytokine storm can vary but often include high fever, extreme fatigue, widespread inflammation, and in severe cases, organ dysfunction. If not managed promptly, it can lead to organ failure and be fatal.

Immune Test:

Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS)

"Mast cells are a type of white blood cell that is found in tissue throughout the body. These specialized cells play an important role in a healthy immune system, allowing the body to fight bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections. These cells are filled with mediators of immune function, including cytokines, growth factors, histamine, and heparin. The mast cells release these chemicals in response to changes within their environment, such as allergens or an immune response. The release of these chemicals contributes to symptoms typically seen during an allergic reaction, such as flushing and itching. However, when problems arise within these cells, such as inappropriate or excessive chemical release, a person can experience more severe symptoms, such as abdominal cramping, diarrhea, nausea, muscle pain, low blood pressure, and, in severe cases, anaphylaxis."

A cytokine storm is an exaggerated and uncontrolled immune system response characterized by the release of a large number of pro-inflammatory cytokines. These cytokines are signaling molecules that play a crucial role in regulating the immune response. While cytokines are typically part of the body's defense mechanism against infections, an excessive and unregulated release of these molecules can lead to harmful consequences.

Cytokine test: ELISA, ELISpot, and intracellular flow cytometry leading the way.

Quantitatively measure IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, and IFN-γ in one sample.
https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/24/13/11156

Simple explanation:

"Vaccine-naive" refers to an immune system that has not been influenced by a vaccine. A cytokine rush occurs when all T and B cells are on high alert, leading to a state where cytokines continuously attack various components in the body. This reaction can happen when cytokines are compromised or altered by a vaccine. In this scenario, the cytokine rush is caused by the body's defense helpers.

Image presented by Dr. Rob Rennebohm USA 

The lymphatic system is an essential component of the immune system, and it plays a significant role in both the initiation and resolution of immune responses. However, in the context of a cytokine storm, the lymphatic system can be affected in several ways:

1. Increased Lymph Node Activation: Lymph nodes are key sites in the lymphatic system where immune cells interact and mount immune responses. During a cytokine storm, the lymph nodes may become hyperactivated, leading to an influx of immune cells and an excessive release of cytokines.

2. Lymphocyte Activation: The lymphatic system includes lymphocytes (white blood cells) such as T cells and B cells, which are crucial for the immune response. In a cytokine storm, these cells can become overactivated, contributing to the excessive release of cytokines.

3. Lymphatic Drainage: The lymphatic system is responsible for draining excess fluid and waste products from tissues, helping to control inflammation. In the context of a cytokine storm, this drainage process can become overwhelmed, leading to tissue swelling and inflammation.

4. Lymphatic Vessel Dysfunction: Cytokine storms can lead to dysfunction in lymphatic vessels, impairing their ability to transport lymphatic fluid and immune cells effectively. This dysfunction can further exacerbate inflammation and immune system dysregulation.

5. Secondary Infections: Prolonged cytokine storms can weaken the immune system's ability to fight off infections, making individuals more susceptible to secondary infections. The lymphatic system is involved in immune surveillance and defense against infections, so its dysfunction can contribute to this vulnerability.

It's important to note that cytokine storms are often associated with severe conditions like sepsis and certain autoimmune diseases, produced by immune cells in response to infections or injuries.

At last, and often promoted, it is not enough to remove damaged cells via HELP apheresis, when the culprit, that causes inflammation, the formation of thrombosis and microclots, is not contained  

More on cytokine: "Hyperacute reversible encephalopathy related to cytokine storm following COVID-19 vaccine"
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0165572821001880

This article presents only information and is not a medical advice. Contact your doctor.

© 2000-2025 Sieglinde W. Alexander. All writings by Sieglinde W. Alexander have a fife year copy right.
Library of Congress Card Number: LCN 00-192742