Researchers from Karolinska Institute in Sweden published a paper in the latest issue of Frontier Journal of Immunology, pointing out that the level of cytokines interleukin 26 (IL-26) in the blood of patients with acute COVID-19 infection increased, and the high level of IL-26 was related to the increased degree of inflammatory reaction, which meant that the symptoms were more serious. These findings suggest that IL-26 is a potential biomarker of severe COVID-19. It has been proved that COVID-19 vaccination can effectively reduce the number of severe patients with COVID-19. However, as new virus variants continue to appear, the number of vaccinations is insufficient and human immunity declines, scientists begin to look for more effective COVID-19 therapy. Eduardo Cadnias, the main author of the latest study and postdoctoral fellow of the Institute of Environmental Medicine, said: "We need to better understand the potential immune mechanism in order to find better treatment methods. In addition, we need to improve the diagnostic efficiency of patients with COVID-19." Anders Linde, another author of the study, said: "We have known that the cytokine IL-26 is involved in mobilizing immune cells to fight against pulmonary bacterial infections and human chronic respiratory diseases. More importantly, IL-26 has antiviral and antibacterial effects." In order to study the "role" of this molecule in COVID-19 infection, the research team recruited 49 hospitalized patients with COVID-19, 44 of whom were severely ill and needed oxygen therapy. At the same time, 27 healthy people were recruited as the control group, and the levels of IL-26 protein and other inflammatory compounds in the blood of all participants were measured. Cadnias said: "Our research shows for the first time that the level of cytokines IL-26 in the blood of patients with COVID-19 is much higher than that of healthy controls. This increase is related to the so-called cytokine storm, which is an excessive and dangerous inflammatory reaction, indicating the severity of COVID-19. The latest findings provide us with a potential biomarker for the severity of COVID-19. Moreover, in view of the antiviral effect of IL-26, we may also determine that New therapeutic targets. " However, the research team also said that although the latest research results are promising, it is still a preliminary study. They are conducting a larger study to obtain more information, such as whether the level of IL-26 can reflect the severity of COVID-19. (Outlook New Times)