IL1B and COVID-19: A strong argument has also been put forth for the inhibition of interleukin (IL)-1 as a therapeutic strategy to circumvent the deleterious effects of this cytokine which is involved in inducing inflammation, endothelial dysfunction and microthrombi.59 All these effects together with the activation of macrophages by COVID-19 lead to the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, metalloproteinases and other proteolytic enzymes that can cause thrombi formation and severe respiratory dysfunction.