Soluble cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interferons (IFNs), and interleukin 6 (IL6) have been linked to hematologic neoplasms related to aging, including myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN), myelodysplastic syndromes, and AML33–35. The gene discussed is IL6; the disease is myelodysplastic syndrome.