TNF and viral infectious disease: TNF-α has a key role in the initiation of the inflammatory response during acute or chronic hepatitis caused by viral infections, steatosis, autoimmunity, alcohol or acetaminophen consumptions.4, 32 The production of TNF-α by liver Kupffer cells promotes expression of other cytokines and adhesion molecules that mediates the recruitment and the activation of immune cells involved in hepatocyte death.33, 34 A specific pro-inflammatory context is needed for the induction of hepatolysis by TNF-α as injection of TNF-α alone in mice is insufficient to induce hepatitis.