Interview with Prof. Percy Knolle on his talk at the Covid-19 Lectures

"The infection needs to be controlled at an early stage"

How does the Human Body manage the Corona Virus?
The activation of the immune system is important so that we can control infectious agents and tumor cells. However, it is just as important to shut down the activated immune cells. This is because excessive activation of the immune system as in Covid-19 has many facets, such as the overproduction of antibodies and messenger substances that are particularly stimulating for further immune responses. These parameters can also be measured very well - there are probably other forms of excessive activation. 
Various organs are damaged, such as the lungs, heart, liver and brain. But above all also the vascular system. Damage to the vascular system in particular has the potential to cause severe disease progression.

What are the consequences?
Damage to the respective organs is sometimes difficult to repair. This in turn also means long courses of recovery. 

What can be done about it?
The infection needs to be controlled at an early stage, before Covid-19 develops - for example, through vaccination. Once Covid-19 has set in, we unfortunately still only have a few drugs that can prevent organ damage. Good experiences have been made so far with corticosteroids, which switch off all forms of the immune response. In addition, also with antibodies against certain messengers.