Amplification of poly(I:C)-induced interleukin-6 production in human bronchial epithelial cells by priming with interferon-γ.

Proinflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-6 was associated with disease severity in patients with COVID-19. The mechanism underlying the excessive IL-6 production by SARS-Cov-2 infection remains unclear. Respiratory viruses initially infect nasal or bronchial epithelial cells that produce various inflammatory mediators.