Previously, we reported that IL-2 deprivation (IL-2(−)) promoted ceramide generation due to the activation of acid sphingomyelinase (ASM), resulting in apoptosis of KHYG-1 cells.3 The mechanisms of ASM–ceramide-mediated apoptotic signal in IL-2 deprived NK/T lymphoma cells has not been clarified. The gene discussed is SMPD1; the disease is lymphoma.