TNF and amebiasis: Infecting E. histolytica trophozoites, however, have to face different host defense mechanisms, namely, (i) increased mucus production protecting the epithelial surface; (ii) secretion of defensin 2 and pro-inflammatory cytokines (Il-1β, IL-8, TNF-α) after contact of trophozoites with epithelial cells [57]; (iii) Th1-mediated immune responses during acute amebiasis, and Th2- and Th17-mediated immune responses during chronic amebiasis [58].