Elevated levels of IL-6 and IL-10 have been associated with modification of the endogenous levels of autoantibodies, including anti-dsDNA, and these increased levels have been shown to be crucial for the development of SLE, whereas blockage of the IL-6 and IL-10 receptors inhibits or delays the onset of renal damage in NZB/WF1 mice3, 22, 23, 24. The gene discussed is IL6; the disease is systemic lupus erythematosus.