In response, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis that quantified IL-1 levels in sepsis and determined a mean 21.8 pg./mL IL-1β in the circulation in sepsis patients (Gharamti et al., 2022), demonstrating IL-1β blood levels in sepsis far exceed those in COVID-19 (Step 2d). The gene discussed is IL1A; the disease is COVID-19.