In the salivary gland inflammation associated with Sjogren syndrome, IL-6 is crucial for suppressing apoptosis and protecting tissue integrity, whereas largely unessential for immune responses.18 Therefore, the overall function of IL-6 during the immunological phase of exocrine gland inflammation is both tissue-protective and anti-inflammatory depending on the stage or duration of the condition. The gene discussed is IL6; the disease is Sjogren syndrome.