Fig. 3
From: Cytokine removal in human septic shock: Where are we and where are we going?
The rationale of bulk removal of cytokines during cytokine storm. When homeostasis is normal, the pro-inflammatory (open circles), and anti-inflammatory (closed circles) mediators are in balance, molecules are present evenly as demonstrated in the first panel of the figure (a). When molecules are adsorbed in this scenario, the removal rate of both should be similar. However, if one component is in abundance—which is the case during cytokine storm (b), then the removal rate should be proportionally higher from the mediator that is present in large numbers. This demonstrates the rationale why bulk removal of cytokines during cytokine storm may help to regain homeostatic balance