IL6 and COVID-19: Various mechanisms could underlie the psychological effects of COVID-19 infection, including the potential neurotropic properties of the virus (6, 7); the presence of elevated proinflammatory cytokines (e.g., interleukin-6) in patients with severe COVID-19 symptoms (8), which are implicated in the development of psychiatric disorders such as depression (9); and the exposure to prolonged periods of social isolation and physical inactivity in people affected by COVID-19 (10), which in turn can increase mental distress and feelings of loneliness.