More specifically, several in vitro and in vivo studies generated solid proof of concept that a subset of proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-1 beta, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) played an important pathogenic role in the pathogenesis of T1DM. The gene discussed is MIF; the disease is type 1 diabetes mellitus.