This hypothesis is supported by studies on Syrian hamsters, in which lung injury and mRNA of proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-13, TNF-α and IFN-γ are reduced by dexamethasone treatment 7 days post infection, suggesting its benefit may be due to the inhibition of the cytokine storm [34]. The gene discussed is TNF; the disease is infection.