Therefore, although IL-10 inhibition of T cell responses primed during acute infection can lead to an increase of virus load during MCMV persistence [44], studies to date collectively suggest that mammalian IL-10 can act during both the chronic replicating and latent stages of herpesvirus infections to antagonize antiviral immunity, thus contributing to carriage of herpesviruses within their mammalian hosts. The gene discussed is IL10; the disease is Herpesviridae infectious disease.