SARS-CoV-2, its spike protein and adenovirus vectors for SARS-CoV-2 vaccines only activate TLR3, TLR7, TLR8, RIG-1, MDA-5 and NLRP3—the receptors typically stimulated by viral antigens—whereas each of the autoimmune diseases associated with COVID-19 are characterized by activation of not only these virus-activated receptors but also TLR2, TLR4, TLR5 or TLR6 and NOD1 or NOD2. The gene discussed is TLR8; the disease is COVID-19.