VCAM1 and infection: ECs are assumed to participate in leukocytes recruitment from the bloodstream into the sites of infection and inflammation.23 During the process of SARS-CoV-2 infection, inflammatory cytokines of IL-1 and TNF-α derived from activated leukocytes, bind to the extracellular domains of IL-1 receptor 1 (IL-1R1) and TNF receptor 1 (TNFR1) on the surface of the endothelial membrane, further initiating various kinase cascades and leading to the activation of NF-κB and activator protein 1 (AP-1).23 These transcription factors induce adhesion molecules (ICAM-1, VCAM-1, E-selectin, and P-selectin).