Simultaneously measuring the sequence and magnitude of pro-inflammatory events (i.e. IFN-γ, TNF-α and IL-6) in conjunction with antigen presentation signals (i.e. IL-12 and IL-18), balanced by down-regulatory cytokines (i.e. IL-10, TGF-β) within the context of a malaria infection or vaccine trials in children would significantly improve our understanding of immunologic harmonization (or lack thereof) to specific malaria antigens. The gene discussed is TNF; the disease is malaria.