Third, the relationship between the concentrations of nine specific cytokines (IL-6, IL-17A, MCP-1, PAI1, IL-1β, VEGF, IL-10, IP-10, and sCD14) and lung function parameters supports the hypothesis that pneumonia-associated inflammation could contribute to tissue damage and accelerated pulmonary fibrosis in patients with HIV. This evidence concerns the gene IL6 and pulmonary fibrosis.