TNF and cryptococcosis: Induce or promote the three major protective cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-12 and IL-2). TNFα, IL-8, IL-6 and IP10 was associated with improved outcome in AIDS patients with CM. IL-23 and IL-18 play a protective role against cryptococcal IL-23 and IL-18 play a protective role against cryptococcal infection.