Inflammation is triggered by the release of pro-inflammatory mediators such as eicosanoids and cytokines, including interleukins 1α and β (IL-1α and IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α) that are produced at the site of infection by activated accessory immune cells (e.g. macrophages and monocytes) and operate as the most potent triggers of the inflammatory response. Here, IL6 is linked to infection.