For example, the TNF-α promoter-863 A allele [47] and the longer CA repeat alleles of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 promoter [48] predisposed to HAM/TSP, whereas IL-10-592 A [49], stromal-derived factor (SDF)-1 +801A, and IL-15 +191 C alleles [47] conferred protection against HAM/TSP. This evidence concerns the gene CXCL12 and tropical spastic paraparesis.