How does a cytokine storm affect the ability of an organism to re-establish homeostasis after a viral infection?
A.
While the positive feedback loop between cytokines and the immune system fights off the viral infection, it also promotes secondary infections and cell death, which prevent a return to homeostasis.
B.
The negative feedback loop between viral particles and cytokines works to minimize cell death, and it promotes the ability of the body to return to homeostasis by improving its ability to fight the virus.
C.
While the negative feedback loop between cytokines and the immune system fights off the viral infection, it also promotes cell death and bacterial infections, which prevent a return to homeostasis.
D.
The positive feedback loop between viral particles and cytokines works to minimize cell death, but it disrupts the ability of the body to return to homeostasis by reducing its ability to fight the virus.

A. While the positive feedback loop between cytokines and the immune system fights off the viral infection, it also promotes secondary infections and cell death, which prevent a return to homeostasis.

Explanation:

During a cytokine storm, there is an excessive and uncontrolled release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are signaling molecules involved in immune response. While these cytokines play a crucial role in initiating and coordinating the immune response to eliminate the viral infection, an excessive production can lead to harmful effects.

In the case of a cytokine storm, the positive feedback loop between cytokines and the immune system becomes dysregulated. The excessive cytokine production leads to a hyperactive immune response, resulting in tissue damage, organ dysfunction, and systemic inflammation. This can cause secondary infections as the immune system becomes overwhelmed and compromised. Additionally, the excessive inflammation and cell death can disrupt normal physiological processes, preventing the organism from returning to homeostasis.