The experimental evidence that has accumulated over the last few years has demonstrated that the activation of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway, either via direct activation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors by nicotine administration or vagal stimulation, reduces secretion of the proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in experimental models of acute systemic inflammation. This evidence concerns the gene TNF and inflammation.