French researchers have identified the main distinguishing feature of severe COVID-19 patients, according to an article in the journal Science. Researchers studied the symptoms of 50 patients infected with the coronavirus: from a mild cough to severe respiratory failure.
After analyzing blood, tissues, immune cells and other biomaterials, the scientists concluded that the common symptoms of severe disease are interferon response and increased inflammation. In severe patients, there was a deficiency of type I interferons used by the immune system to fight the virus.
It has been reported that the secretion of interferons slows the progression of coronavirus infection. The results show that interferon is a key factor influencing the patient's symptoms and recovery and lays the foundation for a successful treatment strategy for COVID-19.