IL6 and congenital rubella syndrome: In CRS, a variety of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-1, IL-6, IL-8, CXCL-10, interferon (INF)-induced chemokines, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α are secreted by alveolar macrophages that drive the inflammatory response and promote further influx of neutrophils, monocytes, and other inflammatory cells (1, 3).