Furthermore, immune responses to adverse psychosocial and environmental conditions may contribute to an increased risk of COVID-19 morbidity and mortality among African Americans.18,19 Specifically in relation to COVID-19, interleukin-6 (IL-6), an inflammatory cytokine associated with chronic stress and with demonstrated racial/ethnic differences, appears to be a key mechanism involved in COVID-19 disease severity. This evidence concerns the gene IL6 and COVID-19.