Increased levels of duodenal IL-17A, IL-21, IL-22, CXCL5 due to malnutrition—together with decreased levels of TNFα, IL-12, TGFβ and CXCL10 and elevated levels of IgA due to infection—revealed that the duodenum was sensitive to both variables and suggested local inflammation in malnourished animals. The gene discussed is TNF; the disease is nutritional deficiency disease.