Fig. 1
From: A comprehensive review of COVID-19 symptoms and treatments in the setting of autoimmune diseases
The effects of autoimmune diseases on the severity of COVID-19. Autoimmune diseases, due to the hyperactivity of immune cells’ function and the subsequent secretion of inflammatory and pro-inflammatory cytokines, lead to the increased expression of ACE-2, facilitating viremia. These events, thus exacerbate pulmonary disorders caused by SARS-CoV-2. TNF Tumor necrosis factor, IFN interferon