This is further increased in endemic regions for TB.101 This association could be explained having in mind the essential role of TNF-a and IFN-γ for immune cells’ recruitment, phagocytosis of mycobacteria and granuloma formation.102,103 Of note, therapy with soluble TNF receptor (etanercept) is less likely to cause TB compared to anti-TNF monoclonal antibody (mAb) agents.104 Other cytokines, like interferons, IL-12, IL-17, IL-22 (105) are also implicated in immune response to mycobacterial infection. The gene discussed is IL17A; the disease is tuberculosis.