Epidemiologic evidence points to a potential role for immune stimulatory molecules in the etiology of AIDS-NHL, as elevated levels of several of these molecules (IL6, IL10, BCA1/CXCL13, IP10/CXCL10, MCP1, TARC/CCL17, TNFα, BAFF, IL18, sCD14, sCD163, sCD23, sCD27, sCD30, neopterin, κ and λ immunoglobulin free light chains [FLC]) were observed to precede the development of AIDS-NHL8–15. The gene discussed is TNF; the disease is AIDS.