IFNB1 and COVID-19: Given that TNF activates an IRF1-dependent autocrine loop, leading to sustained expression of STAT1-dependent I-IFN response genes 24, the activation of TNF signaling may explain the induction of ISGs but not IFNB1. Indeed, accumulating evidence indicates that anti-TNF therapy shows impressive efficacy against COVID-19 and should accordingly receive priority in COVID-19 treatment trials 25.