Emeka B. Okeke

Emeka B. Okeke

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Emeka B. Okeke

Department of Biology, State University of New York at Fredonia, Fredonia, NY, United States

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

5Years (2022-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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10 June 2022 in Frontiers in Immunology
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
EVEsmeiry Ventura-Santana
Esmeiry Ventura-Santana
JNJoshua R. Ninan
Joshua R. Ninan
CSCaitlin M. Snyder
Caitlin M. Snyder
EOEmeka B. Okeke
Emeka B. Okeke
The novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is responsible for the current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Majority of COVID-19 patients have mild disease but about 20% of COVID-19 patients progress to severe disease. These patients end up in the intensive care unit (ICU) with clinical manifestations of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and sepsis. The formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) has also been associated with severe COVID-19. Understanding of the immunopathology of COVID-19 is critical for the development of effective therapeutics. In this article, we discuss evidence indicating that severe COVID-19 has clinical presentations consistent with the definitions of viral sepsis. We highlight the role of neutrophils and NETs formation in the pathogenesis of severe COVID-19. Finally, we highlight the potential of therapies inhibiting NETs formation for the treatment of COVID-19.