question: What is a "cytokine storm"?
answer: During infectious processes, the production of inflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin-1b (IL-1b), gamma interferon (IFNg) and chemokines orchestrates the anti-infectious innate immune response. However, an overzealous production, leading up to a cytokine storm, can be deleterious and contributes to mortality consecutive to sepsis or toxic shock syndrome.