Systemic inflammation due to CRS occurs because T and myeloid cells produce copious quantities of cytokines, including IL-1, IL-2, IFN-γ, TNF and IL-6, all of which lead to systemic inflammation and suppression of hematopoiesis5,17 Upon resolution of the CRS, the bone marrow function can recover. The gene discussed is IL6; the disease is congenital rubella syndrome.