Cytokine Storm (IMAGE) Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center Caption This is a microscopic photo of a blood smear from a transgenic mouse that mimics the human immune disorder, secondary HLH (hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis). The image shows macrophage immune cells (indicated by arrow) flooding healthy tissue cells during a cytokine storm caused by HLH in a very similar fashion t what occurs in patients with severe COVID-19 disease. Researchers reporting in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology say the HLH data were a factor in a decision to test the anti-inflammatory drug ruxolitinib (used to treat secondary HLH) in patients with COVID-19 in China. Credit Cincinnati Children's Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.