In contrast to Component 187, the other COVID-19-associated Components were more strongly modulated immediately after the onset of symptoms, indicating virus-induced alterations in cell composition and activation state during the acute phase of the disease — as illustrated for example by the classical monocyte-derived type 1 interferon (IFN) signature (Component 235; Additional file 3: Fig. S8). The gene discussed is IFNA1; the disease is COVID-19.