For example, the TNFdeltaARE mice carrying a deletion in the TNF AU (adenosin-uracil)-rich elements (ARE) develop transmural inflammation in the distal ileum that shares some clinical features with human CD only after colonization with specific-pathogen free microbiota, and germ-free TNFdeltaARE mice were protected from intestinal inflammation40. This evidence concerns the gene TNF and Cowden disease.