Kruppel-like factor 2 may be a major determinant of acute respiratory distress syndrome in COVID-19 patients A study conducted at the University of Chicago, USA, has recently revealed that downregulation of an endothelial transcription factor, Kruppel-like factor 2, by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is responsible for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) frequently observed in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients. The study is currently available on the bioRxiv* preprint server. Background ARDS characterized by pulmonary endothelial dysfunction is ...