Pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-6, Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α), and Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), are vital for immune defense but, when dysregulated, can trigger a cytokine storm, exacerbating tissue damage, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and multi-organ failure [16]. The gene discussed is IFNG; the disease is acute respiratory distress syndrome.