Further, TNF-co-stimulation after CD3/CD28 stimulation of these SSc patient T cells resulted in elevated type 1 collagen expression by fibroblasts and an increased secretion of profibrotic cytokines by the T cells, albeit a decreased production of IL-10, indicating that SSc patient T cells may reinforce fibrosis while lacking the ability to resolve inflammation. This evidence concerns the gene IL10 and systemic sclerosis.