Following infection, the antigenic stimuli of the parasite promotes first-line host defenses through the innate immune response which functions during the evolution of infection are sustained by the production of proinflammatory (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-12, and IFN-γ) and anti-inflammatory (TGF-β, IL-4, and IL-10) cytokines. The gene discussed is IL6; the disease is infection.