In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, we showed that influenza vaccination attenuated the inflammatory response in patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass surgery; there was a reduction in serum levels of troponin (as a measure of myocardial injury) and pro-inflammatory mediators [IL-6, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), C-reactive protein], and an increase in IL-10 (Atoui et al., 2020). The gene discussed is IL6; the disease is influenza.