Numerous studies have shown increased levels of inflammatory cytokines and apoptotic modulators in the tear and conjunctival epithelium of dry eye patients and animal models, including interleukin (IL)-1α, IL-1β, IL-8, IL-6,tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interferon (IFN)-α, intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1, human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DR, cluster of differentiation (CD)-40, CD-40L, Fas, chemokine receptors CCR5 and CXCR3[3–10]. The gene discussed is TNF; the disease is dry eye syndrome.