In human patients with SARS-CoV infection, increased CXCL10/IP-10 levels in immune cells and lung epithelia are induced in an IFN-independent manner, and correlate with recruitment of CD68+ monocytes into interstitial lung tissue, accompanied by progressive lymphopenia and elevated LDH, consistent with rapid recruitment and apoptosis of T-lymphocytes (26). This evidence concerns the gene CXCL10 and severe acute respiratory syndrome.