While the immune response starts locally, inflammatory mediators propagate, which leads to a systemic inflammatory response, followed by immunosuppression.27 Changes in TNF (tumor necrosis factor) and IL (interleukin)-6 levels have been observed in patients at the onset of stroke.28 This response may be due to a state of immunodepression that occurs poststroke, as there are increased risks of poststroke infections.27 There is increasing evidence that greater inflammation is associated with AIS progression. This evidence concerns the gene IL6 and infection.