Furthermore, we have previously shown higher TNF-α+ and IFN-γ+ NK-like T cells in both arthritic patient groups (chronic chikungunya arthritis and RA) [33].Higher percentages of TNF-α- and IFN-γ-expression on NKT-like cells, irrespective of lower percentage of peripheral NKT-like cells in the chronic patients of the current study is consistent with the above report and indicates probable involvement of these mediators in chikungunya chronicity. This evidence concerns the gene TNF and rheumatoid arthritis.