Investigations spearheaded by our research group elucidate that post-infection with meningitis-inducing streptococcal strains, the secretion levels of Interleukin-6 (IL-6) from host lymphocytes are significantly elevated compared to those from non-meningitis-inducing streptococcal infection, with Sly emerging as one of the principal virulence factors precipitating the heightened expression of IL-6 during SS2 meningitis (10). The gene discussed is IL6; the disease is infection.