Nanomedicine approaches to reduce cytokine storms in severe infections

• Published in: Drug discovery today 2022-11, Vol.27 (11), p.103355-103355, Article 103355
• Main Authors: Ahmar Rauf, Mohd, Nisar, Maryam, Abdelhady, Hosam, Gavande, Navnath, Iyer, Arun K.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: ARDS; COVID-19; Cytokine storm; Infectious diseases; Nanomedicine; Post-Screen; SARS
• ISSN: 1359-6446; 1878-5832; 1878-5832
• DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2022.103355

•Cytokine storm causes dysregulated production of a wide range of pro-inflammatory cytokines.•Cytokine storm is associated with many infectious diseases including COVID-19.•Nanomedicine based therapies have potential to treat cytokine storm in infections. During a cytokine storm, dysregulated proinflammatory cytokines are produced in excess. Cytokine storms occur in multiple infectious diseases, including Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19). Thus, eliminating cytokine storms to enhance patient outcomes is crucial. Given the numerous cytokines involved, individual therapies might have little effect. Traditional cytokines might be less effective than medicines that target malfunctioning macrophages. Nanomedicine-based therapeutics reduce cytokine production in animal models of proinflammatory illnesses. The unique physicochemical features and controlled nano–bio interactions of nanotechnology show promise in healthcare and could be used to treat several stages of this virus-induced sickness, including cytokine storm mortality. Macrophage-oriented nanomedicines can minimize cytokine storms and associated harmful effects, enhancing patient outcomes. Here, we also discuss engineering possibilities for enhancing macrophage efficacy with nanodrug carriers.