This study investigates the role of cytokine profiles in predicting the severity of COVID-19. Researchers from multiple institutions in China analyzed serum samples from 102 COVID-19 patients and 45 healthy controls. The patients were categorized into moderate, severe, and critical groups based on their symptoms. The results showed that COVID-19 patients had significantly higher levels of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, and IL-10) and C-Reactive Protein (CRP) compared to healthy controls. Within the COVID-19 patients, serum levels of IL-6 and IL-10 were significantly higher in the critical group compared to the moderate and severe groups. IL-10 levels were positively correlated with CRP (r = 0.41, P < 0.01). Univariate logistic regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis confirmed that IL-6 and IL-10 are predictive markers for disease severity. The study suggests that higher levels of cytokine storm are associated with more severe disease development, and IL-6 and IL-10 can be used as predictors for rapid diagnosis of patients at higher risk of disease deterioration. Given the high levels of cytokines induced by SARS-CoV-2, reducing inflammation-related lung damage is critical in treatment.This study investigates the role of cytokine profiles in predicting the severity of COVID-19. Researchers from multiple institutions in China analyzed serum samples from 102 COVID-19 patients and 45 healthy controls. The patients were categorized into moderate, severe, and critical groups based on their symptoms. The results showed that COVID-19 patients had significantly higher levels of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, and IL-10) and C-Reactive Protein (CRP) compared to healthy controls. Within the COVID-19 patients, serum levels of IL-6 and IL-10 were significantly higher in the critical group compared to the moderate and severe groups. IL-10 levels were positively correlated with CRP (r = 0.41, P < 0.01). Univariate logistic regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis confirmed that IL-6 and IL-10 are predictive markers for disease severity. The study suggests that higher levels of cytokine storm are associated with more severe disease development, and IL-6 and IL-10 can be used as predictors for rapid diagnosis of patients at higher risk of disease deterioration. Given the high levels of cytokines induced by SARS-CoV-2, reducing inflammation-related lung damage is critical in treatment.