IFNG and COVID-19: Since the JAK/STAT pathway can promote caspase-1 expression and activation via cytokines (e.g., GM-CSF) and interferons (e.g., IFN-γ) (213–216), this study, in conjunction with other evidence, suggests that the NLRP3/caspase-1 pathway is a key mechanism by which COVID-19 and RA disease exacerbate each other.