IFNG and COVID-19: Coronavirus disease 2019 triggers a strong inflammatory response in the host, known as a “cytokine storm,” with high levels of TNF-α, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ).10, 12These cytokines are polypeptides or glycoproteins that act as inflammatory mediators controlling the immune response; when they are released by leukocytes, they are called interleukins.