Dendritic cells generated in vitro from peripheral blood of HCV-infected individuals appear impaired in their capacity for antigen presentation,16 which correlate with decrease and dysfunction of dendritic cells.17 Furthermore, HCV core protein could bind to and inhibit the tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) receptor.18,19 As TNF-α is a important cytokines for acute TB control,20,21 the relation between HCV infection and TB disease could be speculated. The gene discussed is TNF; the disease is tuberculosis.