Elevated levels of chemokines and cytokines, such as CCL2/3/5, CXCL8/9/10 and IFN‐γ, TNF‐α, IL‐1β, IL‐1RA, IL‐6, IL‐7, IL‐8, IL‐12, IL‐33, granulocyte/granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factors (G‐CSF and GM‐CSF), vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) and platelet derived growth factor subunit B (PDGFB), facilitate the recruitment of other leukocytes to tissues and promote effector functions leading to severe ARDS and tissue damage (Figure 1B).77, 83. The gene discussed is VEGFA; the disease is acute respiratory distress syndrome.