Severe pulmonary inflammation is accompanied by elevated proinflammatory cytokines in serum [especially interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)] (7) and bronchioalveolar lavage (especially CXCL1, CXCL2, and CXCL6) (8), resulting in neutrophil infiltration and activation in lungs (9), consistent with development of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The gene discussed is IL6; the disease is acute respiratory distress syndrome.