Elevated levels of cytokines reflecting both innate and adaptive immune system activation including IL-6 (Th2/Th17/Tfh), IL-12 p70, and interferon–gamma (Th1), IL-4, and IL-5 (Th2) as well as the chemokine interferon (IFN) gamma inducible protein 10(IP-10) have been found in patients more than three years before they satisfied SLE classification criteria. The gene discussed is IL6; the disease is systemic lupus erythematosus.