Increased levels of proinflammatory cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-1, IL-6, IL-12, and TGFβ) and chemokines (CCL2, CXCL10, CXCL9, and IL-8) were observed in severe SARS patients compared to mild individuals19,20. This evidence concerns the gene CXCL9 and severe acute respiratory syndrome.