Cytokine storm is considered to be an essential cause of death in severe and critical COVID-19 patients

which is characterized by excessive inflammatory response: over-activation of immune cells and excessive release of cytokines cause diffuse damage to the pulmonary capillary endothelial cells and alveolar epithelial cells

lead to respiratory failure

and cytokines reach multiple organs and cause multiple organ failure driven by the circulatory system. IL-6 antagonists

glucocorticoids and convalescent plasma are the current immunotherapy drugs. The purpose of this paper is to review the possible mechanism of cytokine storm in the treatment process of COVID-19 and the potential therapeutic drugs to inhibit cytokine storm.