It has been demonstrated that cultured SSc fibroblasts show an abnormal phenotype that is characterized by the overproduction of different extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins and display increased constitutive expression of pro‐inflammatory factors, for example, IL‐6 and IL‐1, and soluble factors that mediate trans‐endothelial migration of mononuclear cells.50 In spite of the high production of ROS, scleroderma fibroblasts are resistant to Fas‐induced apoptosis. The gene discussed is IL6; the disease is systemic sclerosis.