Finally, it is possible that iNKT cells exert their protective abilities in TB by releasing IFN-γ and engaging in cytotoxicity: when iNKT cells from M. tuberculosis or M. bovis-infected mice were cocultured in vitro with infected macrophages, the iNKT cells secreted IFN-γ and killed the macrophages132 (Fig. 3a). The gene discussed is IFNG; the disease is tuberculosis.