Binding of SARS‐CoV‐2 to ACE2 triggers a cascade leading to activation of the NF‐kB pathway, increasing proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines to very high levels, leading to the development of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) seen in severe COVID‐19 disease.2, 3. This evidence concerns the gene NFKB1 and acute respiratory distress syndrome.