Immunotherapy: Open Access
Open Access

Abstract

Use of an Anti-CD6 Antibody (Itolizumab) for the Treatment of COVID-19 Patients with Cytokine Release Syndrome Report of Three Cases

Lazaro Manuel Filgueira, Julio Betancourt Cervantes, Orlando Adolfo Lovelle, Carlos Herrera, Carlos Figueredo, Jorge Alain Caballero, Naivy Sanchez, Jorge Berrio, Geidy Lorenzo, Meylan Cepeda, Mayra Ramos, Danay Saavedra, Ana Laura Ane-Kouri, Zaima Mazorra*, Kalet Leon, Tania Crombet and Armando Caballero

A group of COVID-19 patients develops severe or critical disease accompanied by the cytokine storm syndrome. Cytokines are essential to the pathophysiology of disease and Interleukin 6 (IL-6), Interleukin 1 (IL-1) and Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha (TNF-α) appear to be harmful, particularly in the context of the cytokine release syndrome. CD6 is a membrane glycoprotein expressed primarily in mature, activated T-cells. Ligand binding of CD6, increases events such as adhesion, activation, proliferation, differentiation and survival. In addition, CD6 mediates interaction between T-cells and antigen-presenting cells, contributing to the maturation of immune synapses. CD6-mediated costimulation contributes to the maturation of a Th1 pattern in human T-cells and preferentially promotes a proinflammatory response characterized by the secretion of TNF-α, IL-6 and interferon.

Published Date: 2024-06-28; Received Date: 2020-08-14