Description of the scenario: Patient admitted to hospital after <24 h from the onset of symptoms with rapid worsening of acute respiratory failure (PaO2/FiO2 < 200 mmHg) caused by SARS-CoV-2-related interstitial pneumonia and high plasma levels of such inflammatory parameters as C-reactive protein, ferritin and IL-6. The gene discussed is IL6; the disease is acute respiratory failure.