Oxysterol metabolism dictates macrophage influx during SARS-CoV-2 infection

We are all blatantly aware of the devastating consequences of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and resulting coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which has accounted for over 6.6 million deaths and over 630 million recorded infections globally to date [1]. COVID-19 is predominantly characterised by respiratory symptoms ranging from mild cough and fever to severe acute respiratory distress syndrome and multiorgan failure [2–5]. The rapid design and implementation of effective vaccines across the globe has seen immense benefits in reducing the mortality rate [6], but vulnerable members of society are still very much at risk. Oxysterol metabolism offers an exciting novel angle to freshly consider when elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying lung disease and lung infection.