IL-17 triggers production of a range of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, including neutrophil-attracting IL-8 [26]; in ARDS patients with a systemic inflammatory response, alveolar levels of IL-17 are increased, and this is associated with organ dysfunction and increased alveolar neutrophils and alveolar permeability [34, 35]. The gene discussed is IL17A; the disease is acute respiratory distress syndrome.