TNF and infection: The production of IL-6 during inflammatory conditions and infections is induced mainly through the stimulation of innate immune cells by IL-1 or tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-a) or through the stimulation of TLR receptors (Toll-like receptors) after binding of PAMPs (pathogen-associated molecular patterns) or DAMPs (danger-associated molecular patterns/alarmins) [18,19].