Figure 3.

Underlying factors disrupt the yin-yang immune response and initiate a hyperinflammatory state. Individuals with underlying factors, such as chronic or pre-existing illnesses, cancer, or pathogenic gene variants, have an immune response that contrasts with that seen in Figure 2 . In response to a perceived threat to the body or therapeutic trigger, individuals enter a state of immune activation to eliminate the threat. This immune response continues to mount until it culminates into a state of hyperinflammation or cytokine storm. Although steroids can temporarily stabilize the immune response, such effects do not fully correct the prolonged state of activation. This dysregulated activation phase of the immune response becomes so powerful and uncontrolled that patients enter a state of chronic hyperinflammation or meet their demise. Created with BioRender.com.