Certain comorbidities characterizedby increased LPS levels, such as diabetes, obesity, and chronic obstructivepulmonary disease (COPD), predispose patients to ARDS during SARS-CoV-2infection.9−12 We have recently demonstrated a previously unknown high-affinityinteraction between the SARS-CoV-2 S protein (here denoted as S protein)and LPS from E. coli and P. aeruginosa, leading to a hyperinflammation in vitro as wellas in vivo. The gene discussed is PROS1; the disease is obesity due to melanocortin 4 receptor deficiency.