NF-κB is an archetypal pro-inflammatory pathway activated by IL-1 and TnF-alpha. Once activated, the pathway induces proinflammatory genes, cytokines, chemokines, and endothelial adhesion molecules. NF-κB was once considered the “holy grail” as a target for new anti-inflammatory drugs, but it is now known to have anti-inflammatory properties. Thus NF-KB transcription factors regulate inflammation and orchestrate the immune response during sterile injury or following infection. The gene discussed is TNF; the disease is infection.