Of relevance to the HTLV field, our data conform and extend published findings on HAM pathogenesis at the molecular (IL6, CTCF, KDR-VEGF, TGFBR2), cellular (NK cells, monocytes)46-49, 46-49 and metabolic (lipids and chylomicrons) level. The gene discussed is CTCF; the disease is tropical spastic paraparesis.