TNF and neoplasm: TNF-α and IL-1β exhibit both pro- and anti-tumour activity in CRC, dependent on stage of progression; IL-18 however, is considered an anti-tumorigenic cytokine, that not only affects Th1-cell-mediated immunity but also stimulates anti-tumour activity of NK cells, thus, a probiotic-mediated augmentation of IL-18 suggests it had a protective effect in this in vivo system.