LAUSR

“ The primary symptoms pertaining to the SARS-CoV-2-mediated cytokine storm involve hypersecretion of mucins, which potentially triggers various inflammatory pathways, contributing toward COVID-19 pathogenesis ” The primary symptoms pertaining to the SARS-CoV-2-mediated cytokine storm involve hypersecretion of mucins, which potentially triggers various inflammatory pathways, contributing toward COVID-19 pathogenesis. Mucins play a central role in the front-line defense of the respiratory tract in response to physiological stimuli and by serving as a primary site of contact against the invading microbes. Mucins contain antimicrobial lactoferrin, lysozyme and salivary agglutinin that offer antiviral properties under optimal physiological conditions to sustain homeostasis. The airway epithelia, consisting of an outer gel-forming mucin layer and an inner layer of membrane-anchored mucins, serve as a potential binding site for the attacking pathogens and may facilitate the membrane fusion and cellular transit of SARS-CoV-2 [1] . When the viral load is high, overproduction of mucins becomes problematic as it impedes the lumen of the respiratory tract and limits optimal airflow. Furthermore, the hypersecretion of mucins causes ciliary dysfunction that thwarts respiratory clearance, manifesting as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma and ciliary