In addition to the production of autoantibodies, B cells in patients with RA are a source of cytokines that cause the pathological T-cell response.[41] Specifically, TNF and IL-6 regulate downstream inflammatory cascades, and the latter is important in the regulation of the balance between T regulatory cells and Th17.[47] In general, B cells are responsible for the regulation of the overall Th1/Th2 balance.[48]. This evidence concerns the gene TNF and rheumatoid arthritis.