BDNF is crucial for neuronal integrity and neurogenesis.12 Cytokines, small peptides essential for cellular communication within the immune system, include interleukins, interferons, chemokines, lymphokines and the tumor necrosis factor superfamily.15,16 Pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and IL-8, are critical for initiating the immune response to infections, injuries or stress, causing typical signs of inflammation such as redness, swelling, heat and pain. This evidence concerns the gene TNF and infection.