Objectives: To dissect the mechanisms underlying SARS-CoV-2 associated inflammation in severe COVID-19 patients, which is reminiscent of a so-called cytokine storm syndrome, we analyzed the involvement of IL-1β, a pivotal cytokine driving inflammatory phenotypes, whose maturation and secretion are regulated by NLRP3 inflammasome. The gene discussed is NLRP3; the disease is COVID-19.