High concentrations of MyD88-related cytokines and reduced expression of TRIF-related cytokines characterise the cytokine milieu observed in the lungs of patients with severe and life-threatening COVID-19.15, 27, 28 Such an altered cytokine environment would polarise the immune response towards detrimental (Th17-sustained and GM-CSF-induced) hyperinflammation40, 41 caused by monocyte-derived macrophages and neutrophils, in place of protective (Th1-sustained and IFN-induced) antiviral responses exerted by cytotoxic T lymphocytes, natural killer cells, and B cells.29, 30 Altogether, coronaviruses seem to deceive and escape the immune system by eliciting a response that is generally more appropriate for extracellular rather than intracellular pathogens.