IL6 and infection: In terms of mRNA expression, the cytokines Interleukin 6 (IL-6), Interleukin 8 (IL-8), Interferon Beta (IFN-β), Interferon Gamma (IFN-γ), and Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha (TNF-α) were significantly upregulated (P < 0.001) to varying degrees following infection.