TNF and Autoimmunity: Interestingly, meningeal B cells exhibited a strong plasma cell response (Xbp1high), and a pro-inflammatory activation state characterized by expression of genes related to CNS inflammation and autoimmunity, including Il6, Ifnγ, Ifnγr, Il23, and Tnfα (Harris et al, 2000, 2005; Duddy et al, 2007; Barr et al, 2012).