For example, lauric acid (C12 FA), also known as dodecanoic acid, has been shown to promote the differentiation and proliferation of helper T cells (Th1 and/or Th17 cells) via the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38-MAPK) signaling pathway in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) mouse models. The gene discussed is MAPK14; the disease is experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis.