Thus, health-associated C. acnes strains induced higher levels of the anti-inflammatory IL-10, whereas acne-associated C. acnes strains induced higher levels of the proinflammatory cytokines interferon (IFN)-γ and interleukin (IL)-17 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells, which are present in greater amounts in acne lesions. The gene discussed is IL17A; the disease is acne.