The finding that HCMV seropositivity correlates with serum IL-6 levels in HCC-/Cir+ patients and not in HCC+ patients suggest that IL-10 which is produced during HCMV infection (vIL-10) does not impair the control of HCMV, but rather may inhibit local production of proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-6 by infiltrating lymphocytes in target organs. This evidence concerns the gene IL10 and hepatocellular carcinoma.