NO and its derivatives, by reducing the palmitoylation of the SARS-CoV-2 nascent spike of protein (S), which affects the fusion with the cognate receptor (angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, ACE-2), reduce the production of viral RNA during the early stages of replication, leading to a less severe syndrome in COVID-19 patients31,32. The gene discussed is ACE2; the disease is COVID-19.