Therefore, given the importance of classical monocytes in phagocytosis, producing early pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) and chemokines (IL-8, eotaxin, macrophage inflammatory proteins) and T-cell activation, their reduction in preterm infants is likely detrimental during infection (13). The gene discussed is CXCL8; the disease is infection.