Activation of ISGs appear to be beneficial in controlling SARS-CoV-2, but over-activation of proinflammatory cytokines and downregulation of certain ISGs (IFNA1, APOBEC3G, and FADD) and microRNAs (miR-155 and miR-130a) may be associated with progression to severe/critical COVID-19. Here, IFNA1 is linked to COVID-19.