Therapeutic effects of Tocilizumab on COVID-19

Critical lung damage and death are the most profound outcomes associated with the cytokine storm induced by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). It is well known that COVID-19 in many patients triggers hyperactivation of the immune system, resulting in the release of a diverse set of cytokine signal molecules in the pulmonary tissue, leading to a potentially lethal hyperinflammatory condition. One cytokine found to play a central role in this outcome is interleukin-6 (IL-6). Therefore, preventing IL-6 signaling could potentially improve patient outcomes. Tocilizumab is an IL-6 receptor agonist originally approved by the FDA to treat rheumatoid arthritis, which was found to be effective at reducing the mortality of patients with moderate to severe COVID-19 symptoms through prevention of the aforementioned induced cytokine storm. Clinical trials have supported this conclusion and will be addressed, such as the RECOVERY and COVACTA trials. Results have shown a decrease in mortality, as well as an increase in discharge rate. Future research is needed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms as well as the therapeutic roles of Tocilizumab on COVID-19 and similar pneumonia by virus infections.