Using transcriptomics, mouse astrocytes have been shown to adopt a neurotoxic ‘A1’ phenotype upon exposure to LPS activated microglia-derived IL-1⍺, TNF and C1q and alternately, they can adopt a neuroprotective ‘A2’ phenotype in ischemic stroke; both of which are acute pathological states [50, 51]. This evidence concerns the gene TNF and ischemic stroke.