The induced production of proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines is considered important for the development of sepsis and its sequelae. Polymorphisms in the IL-10 gene promoter could influence its expression and sepsis susceptibility. Results obtained by Dr Ling and colleagues demonstrated that the -1082A allele was significantly associated with lower lipopolysaccharide-induced IL-10 production in an allele-dose-dependent fashion. They also showed that this polymorphism was significantly associated with sepsis development after major trauma. These and other research data clearly demonstrated that the -1082 A/G polymorphism in the IL-10 gene promoter has an important impact on susceptibility of sepsis and sepsis outcome.