Human interleukin-6 (hIL-6) is a multifunctional cytokine, the release of which is triggered by leukocytes, adipocytes, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, keratinocytes, and other cytokines such as IL-1 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) as an immunologic response to infections and tissue injuries. The gene discussed is TNF; the disease is infection.