Systemic cytokine profiles observed in severe COVID-19 patients present similarities to those observed in cytokine release syndromes, such as sepsis, with increased production of cytokines such as IL-6, IL-8, TNFα and other pro-inflammatory chemokines, including CC chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2), CCL3 and chemokine ligand 10 CXC (CXCL10). The gene discussed is CXCL8; the disease is COVID-19.