Previous studies have shown the clinical benefit of administration of certain cytokine inhibitors, including anakinra (IL-1 inhibitor) and tocilizumab (IL-6 inhibitor), in patients with severe COVID-19 (Cavalli et al, 2020; Huet et al, 2020; Somers et al, 2021; Toniati et al, 2020). The gene discussed is IL6; the disease is COVID-19.