Patients with COVID-19 exhibit marked activation of inflammatory markers, including abnormal levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), lymphocytes, neutrophils and cytokines, in particular interleukin-6 (IL-6).8,11, –13 These mechanisms may contribute to pulmonary and extrapulmonary injuries12,14 and the control of cytokine dysregulation at an early stage could be beneficial to curb the disease progression.15 The gene discussed is CRP; the disease is COVID-19.