ALI and ARDS involve an intense inflammatory response wherein cytokines, including interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), play a critical role as signaling molecules that initiate, amplify, and maintain inflammatory responses both locally and systemically10–14. The gene discussed is IL6; the disease is acute respiratory distress syndrome.