Several studies indicate a protective role for IL-10 in the immunopathology of HCV infection including a clinical trial of exogenous IL-10 administration, accumulation of IL-10 producing CD5+ B cells in HCV-infected individuals with mild disease and an association between high IL-10 gene polymorphism and decreased rates of HCV-related liver fibrosis [64-67]. The gene discussed is IL10; the disease is Hepatic fibrosis.