These findings may relate to the involvement of IL-6 in antimicrobial host defense and the inability of Il6−/− mice to effectively clear bacterial or viral infections (Detournay et al., 2005, Dienz et al., 2012, Doganci et al., 2005, Dominitzki et al., 2007, Finotto et al., 2007, Kopf et al., 1994, Lee et al., 1999, Longhi et al., 2008, McLoughlin et al., 2005, Murphy et al., 2008, Pasare and Medzhitov, 2003, Quinton et al., 2008, Yamamoto et al., 2000). The gene discussed is IL6; the disease is viral infectious disease.