TNF is the most studied cytokine in ischemic stroke; it comprises a secreted form (solTNF) and a transmembrane form (tmTNF).229 The signal from both types of TNF is transferred via two different receptors, TNFR1 and TNFR2, respectively.230 The solTNF-TNFR1 signal is deemed responsible for pro-inflammatory effects of TNF, which trigger cell death signaling pathways. The gene discussed is TNF; the disease is ischemic stroke.