Under the influence of genetic susceptibility and environmental factors, B cells in SLE patients show increased activation, as documented by active B cell receptor (BCR) signaling with increased phosphorylation of PI3K and AKT-1 and abnormal phosphatase activity (23), increased production of cytokines IL-6 and IL-10, constitutive expression of costimulatory molecules that affect T cell function and antigen presenting cells (APCs) (24), and loss of tolerance. The gene discussed is IL6; the disease is systemic lupus erythematosus.