IFN-γ and TNF-α play crucial roles in M. tb infections, IFN-γ, for instance, plays a crucial role in activating macrophages to combat intracellular mycobacteria, while TNF-α contributes to the formation of granulomas, essential for containing mycobacterial growth, while IL-17A mediates memory immune responses and appears to exacerbate inflammation in TB patients with conditions like diabetes, potentially worsening disease severity. The gene discussed is TNF; the disease is tuberculosis.