Although negative results were obtained with IL‐1R and IL‐6R modulators in our model of ALI induced by bleomycin, further studies, in complementary models of ALI, from direct and indirect causes, with either hypo‐ or hyper‐inflammatory phenotypes, may be useful to evaluate the efficacy of anti‐cytokine drugs in combination with pro‐regenerative strategies. The gene discussed is IL6R; the disease is acute respiratory distress syndrome.