Since MDA-MB-231 and A549 cancer cells lack surface expression of IL-6Rα (unpublished data), it is likely that MH exerts its anti-tumor effect via binding to sIL-6Rα, inhibiting its association with the IL-6 cytokine and ultimately preventing the triggering of the IL-6 trans-signaling pathway. The gene discussed is IL6R; the disease is cancer.