Recent studies have addressed whether IL-17 is protective or pathologic in responseto viral infections such as influenza (H1N1, H5N1), vaccinia virus, Epstein-Barrvirus (EBV), herpes simplex virus (HSV), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), humanimmunodeficiency virus (HIV), and hepatitis (B and C). The gene discussed is IL17A; the disease is viral infectious disease.