In the present review, a detailed analysis of changes in cytokines and chemokines induced by COVID-19, other coronaviruses and the other conditions affecting lung function, the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), will be made, evidence for up-regulation of the AhR in COVID-19 and other coronaviruses and that of PARP in RSV and COPD will be described, and a sequence of events culminating in cell death following COVID-19 infection will be proposed. The gene discussed is AHR; the disease is COVID-19.