If a previously healthy individual suddenly develops widespread organ damage due to an overactive immune response following a minor infection, which mechanism is most likely driving this outcome?

💡 Explanation

A cytokine storm leads to excessive systemic inflammation because of the uncontrolled release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, overwhelming the body's regulatory mechanisms. Therefore, this causes widespread organ damage, rather than increased T-cell regulation, reduced antibody production, or enhanced complement activity.

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