NEC infants have increased numbers of CD4+ Tem cells in the epithelium and lamina propria of NEC-affected tissues, up-regulated TNF-α expression, and TNF-α-induced downstream gene expression, but absent IL-10 (interleukin-10) production, indicating intestinal inflammation occurs in preterm infants with exposure to antigens [31]. Here, IL10 is linked to necrotizing enterocolitis.