Because IFN-γ produced by CD4pos T cells is important in the control of CMV in vitro [25] and in vivo [21], we tested the intracellular production of IFN-γ in CD4pos T cells in response to total CMV Ags in patients with RA, before and after initiation of treatment with an anti-TNF-α agent. This evidence concerns the gene TNF and rheumatoid arthritis.