TNF and Crohn disease: As previously mentioned, AIEC has been implicated in the pathogenesis of Crohn's disease, therefore the ability of S. thermophilus NCIMB 41856 to reduce the production of TNFα, the principle pro-inflammatory cytokine present in this condition, is highly important and warrants further investigation; inflammation-induced fibrosis leading to stricture formation in Crohn's disease represents a serious complication with important clinical implications [41].