However, there are 2 important unknowns: (a) It is unknown whether APOL1 protein expression is upregulated in glomeruli of patients with COVAN, and (b) it is unknown whether SARS-CoV-2 induces APOL1 expression directly by viral infection of kidney cells or indirectly via the effects of SARS-CoV-2–induced cytokine storm. This evidence concerns the gene APOL1 and viral infectious disease.