In another study, a 857 T polymorphism in tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), which is a potent immuno-modulator and pro-inflammatory cytokine, has been shown to be associated with ATLL patients compared to healthy subjects, suggesting that the genetic alteration that increases the production of TNF-α is associated with a susceptibility to ATLL [13]. This evidence concerns the gene TNF and adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma.