Consistent with earlier findings, Lv-shcircEXOC5 significantly alleviated CLP-induced ALI (as represented by HE staining and injury score; Fig 7A), reduced inflammation (as indicated by the reduced number of total cells, neutrophils, and macrophages in Fig 7B, and the production of pro-inflammatory TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β in Fig 7C), and inhibited autophagy (as suggested by a reduced number of autophagosomes in Fig 7D). The gene discussed is IL6; the disease is acute respiratory distress syndrome.