It has been shown that the Tn antigen, which is a carbohydrate coating providing protection for cancer cells and parasites from immunity, is expressed by Demodex mites.23, 24 Demodex mites are also shown to affect the secretion of inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-8 and TNF-alpha and TLR expression, through the interaction with cells of the pilosebaceous unit.23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28. This evidence concerns the gene TNF and cancer.