Several crucial CRS processes involve macrophages, including the initial activation of macrophages by the CD40L-CD40 interaction in the CAR T cell-tumor environment, the secretion of core cytokines (IL-6, IL-1 and IFN-γ) in CRS and a catecholamine self-amplification loop in macrophages. The gene discussed is CD40LG; the disease is congenital rubella syndrome.