TNF and thanatophoric dysplasia: TD and allergic diseases both show abnormalities in inflammatory indicators such as interleukins and tumour necrosis factor (TNF) [9]. In studies where immunological parameters are directly evaluated, abnormal peripheral immune activities such as decreased regulatory cells, increased release of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-alpha and IL-12, activation of T cells and B cells, and decreased IgG3 level have been demonstrated [10-12].