This group project was an assignment for the BIO 203 W Introduction to cell Biology course. Different groups were tasked with obtaining information about body systems affected by the SARS-CoV2 virus that causes COVID-19. Our group investigated the onset of a cytokine storm in the body which contributes to blood clots. Due to the emphasis on understanding how research is communicated with public audiences, we focussed on finding popular science articles using library databases. The project is relevant from a cell biology perspective, because it helps to understand how cells of the immune system respond to an infection. During a cytokine storm the body’s immune system begins to attack healthy cells within the veins and arteries. These attack cells release clotting signals that cause an increase in unnecessary blood clots. The cytokines released during the cytokine storm also release inflammatory signals that increase the severity of the blood clots.This finding could lead to change in the treatment of those experiencing cytokine storms to include interventions that would reduce blood clotting. This work experience has provided insight into how to develop better treatment for diseases that we might not completely understand. It is important to look at all aspects of the disease and how it affects the body outside of the site of infection. This work has also provided important research experience that can be carried over into our future careers as doctors, wildlife biologists, veterinarians, and emergency medical providers.
To conduct our research our group looked at many research papers concerning the cytokine storm and its various effects on the body. This search was then confined to how these cytokine storms cause an increase in blood clots. The research question we asked ourselves was how the cytokine storm’s effects on different cells in the body could lead to the production of blood clots.
Authors: Megan Norcom, Brittany Prater, Patrick Carroll, Ryan Neuerer, Jakob Twigg, Clay Cutteridge
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Joyce Fernandes Department of Biology
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