These monocytes usually provide for a competent immune reaction, but excessive accumulation of monocytes may coincide with extensive tissue damage by mononuclear cell infiltration including atherosclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis49, mainly due to mediators released by activated monocytes plasma IL-6 levels in patients with sepsis, which are markedly increased, particularly in patients who develop a fatal septic shock50. The gene discussed is IL6; the disease is rheumatoid arthritis.