In contrast to the host response to infectious agents, clearance of apoptotic cells of a self-nature by phagocytes results predominantly in anti-inflammatory reactions characterized by the production of immunoregulatory cytokines IL-10, PGE2, and transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ)86, which are critical to ensuring cellular homeostasis and suppression of autoimmunity as an evolutionarily well-preserved mechanism. The gene discussed is IL10; the disease is Autoimmunity.