As such, IL-6 receptor (IL-6R) inhibitors such as tocilizumab (TCZ), a monoclonal antibody against the IL-6R, are being explored for the treatment of the cytokine storm21–25, indicating a potential of a previously unrecognized direct electrophysiological role of IL-6 in the arrhythmogenesis of COVID-19 unrelated to its proinflammatory properties9,26. The gene discussed is IL6; the disease is COVID-19.