Although some evidence identifies the activation of the TNFα/TNFR system as a non-specific response to degeneration of motor neurons, other studies show a correlation between the increment in the cytokine levels and the progression of disease, suggesting an important contribution of the TNFα/TNFR system to the pathogenesis of ALS. The gene discussed is TNFRSF1A; the disease is amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.