Ducreux et al have previously described a significant decrease in the expression of T-cell activation genes in the RA synovium, as well as a significant decrease in synovial T cells.17 It is interesting to note that IL-6 was originally described as T-cell activation factor.18 Our data further support the hypothesis that T-cell activation is a major target of IL-6 receptor (IL-6R) blockade, something that could have potential prognostic value of TCZ treatment in RA. The gene discussed is IL6R; the disease is rheumatoid arthritis.