In alveolar cells isolated from ARDS, MIF stimulated the release of the pro-inflammatory cytokine/chemokine interleukin-8 (IL-8/CXCL8) and the cytokine tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and additionally downregulated the immunosuppressive actions of glucocorticoids [10]. The gene discussed is TNF; the disease is acute respiratory distress syndrome.