The authors also demonstrate that 4-OI and DMF prevent inflammatory cytokine gene expression induced by SARS-CoV-2 such as IFNΒ1, C-X-C motif chemokine 10 (CXCL10), TNFA, IL-1Β, and C-C chemokine ligand 5 (CCL5) genes and increase Nrf2 inducible gene HMOX1. In addition, the effect of 4-OI on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from healthy donors and COVID-19 patients were examined. Here, IL1B is linked to COVID-19.