Relative to the more common TNF1 (TNF-308G) allele, the TNF2 allele is a more powerful transcriptional activator, and thus more TNF-α is expected in individuals with TNF2 allele(s).20 The TNF2 allele can then be hypothesised as increasing the resistance of the host to local infection (by increasing local production of TNF at the infection site). The gene discussed is TNF; the disease is infection.