Recent studies reported similar findings.7, 14 Specifically, they have shown that the expression of CD71+/CD235a+ was elevated in severe COVID-19 cases more than in mild cases.7,14 Another study has observed an elevation of erythroid progenitor cells and megakaryocytes in severe COVID-19 cases.13 Typically, these cells reside in the bone marrow. The gene discussed is TFRC; the disease is COVID-19.