Fig. 4.

Roles of IL-6-mediated immunometabolic reprogramming in SARS-CoV-2-related COVID-19. A. High levels of IL-6 under SARS-CoV-2 infection promote massive entry of immune cells and cytokines into the pulmonary circulation, triggering cytokine storm (CRS) and extensive inflammatory responses. B. SARS-CoV-2 infection can lead to hyperglycemia and stimulate the expression of IL-6, which in turn promotes insulin secretion and hepatic glucose utilization, forming a negative feedback loop. Elevated IL-6 can also promote glycolysis and the tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA) in infected cells. C. Inter-regulation of IL-6 and amino acid metabolism in patients with COVID-19.