The severe and fatal form of COVID-19 is marked by the cytokine storm syndrome (CSS), which is caused by a dysregulated immune response characterized by excessive activation of innate immunity, an inhibition of interferon signaling by the virus, T-cell lymphodepletion, activation of neutrophils and monocyte-derived macrophages as mediators of hyperinflammation, and the excessive and uncontrolled production of proinflammatory cytokines (particularly IL-6, IL-1 and tumor necrosis factor TNF-α) [38], and chemokines [37]. The gene discussed is TNF; the disease is COVID-19.