Besides producing the extracellular matrix (ECM) in oral connective tissues, human gingival fibroblasts express the cell surface proteins CD14, TLR4, and MD-2, and produce pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin 6 (IL-6)3, indicating an important immunomodulatory role in response to stress and diseases such as periodontitis. The gene discussed is IL6; the disease is periodontitis.