We conducted two perturbation experiments aimed at modeling response to viral infection (interferon (IFN)α, IFNβ and IFNɣ)34 and acute pathogenic inflammation (TNF, Oncostatin M (OSM), IFNɣ, stem cell factor (SCF), IL-6, IL-17A and IL-18)35–37 (Fig. 6a). The gene discussed is IL17A; the disease is viral infectious disease.