Frontiers in Pharmacology (Jan 2022)

The Role of Interleukin-8 in Lung Inflammation and Injury: Implications for the Management of COVID-19 and Hyperinflammatory Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

  • Maria Candida Cesta,
  • Mara Zippoli,
  • Carolina Marsiglia,
  • Elizabeth Marie Gavioli,
  • Flavio Mantelli,
  • Marcello Allegretti,
  • Robert A. Balk

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2021.808797
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 12

Abstract

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Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus—2 (SARS CoV-2) has resulted in the global spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and an increase in complications including Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). Due to the lack of therapeutic options for Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome, recent attention has focused on differentiating hyper- and hypo-inflammatory phenotypes of ARDS to help define effective therapeutic strategies. Interleukin 8 (IL-8) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that has a role in neutrophil activation and has been identified within the pathogenesis and progression of this disease. The aim of this review is to highlight the role of IL-8 as a biomarker and prognostic factor in modulating the hyperinflammatory response in ARDS. The crucial role of IL-8 in lung inflammation and disease pathogenesis might suggest IL-8 as a possible new therapeutic target to efficiently modulate the hyperinflammatory response in ARDS.

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