IL-6 and glucocorticoids in SARS-CoV2 infection
In patients with critical COVID-19 courses, IL-6 correlates with disease severity. These patients often experience systemic complications of the vascular system. This vascular damage could be the result of the viral infection of the vascular cells. But also, IL-6 can cause a loss of function of uninfected vascular cells. In addition, SARS-CoV2 influences IL-6 signal transduction by controlling the expression and release of IL-6 receptor subunits and IL-6. It is unclear which of these mechanisms significantly mediate SARS-CoV2-induced vascular injury.
The role of IL-6 in the development of COVID-19 is the basis for clinical trials with drugs that inhibit IL‑6 function. In addition, treatment of certain COVID-19 patients with glucocorticoids reduces the death rate. However, IL-6 and glucocorticoids mutually influence each other’s function.
In this DFG-funded project, we are working together with Prof. Wirth and Dr. Köster from the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (Braunschweig) to gain knowledge about the molecular mechanisms and pathophysiological consequences of IL-6 and glucocorticoids in SARS-CoV2 infected and non-infected vascular cells. For this purpose, we use highly defined 2D and 3D in vitro vascular models and single cell analyses. The results obtained will result in a better understanding of the SARS-CoV2 infection and drive the targeted development of therapeutic approaches to tackle COVID-19.
