Following SARS-CoV-2 infection of the lungs, host cells release pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, as illustrated in the diagram below. Of the chemicals listed, the three notable cytokines are:

• IL-1
• TNF- α
• IL-6

The relationship between coronaviruses and chemokines has been extensively studied in other coronaviruses including the SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV epidemics. Current data on SARS-CoV-2 also illustrates a very similar relationship.