At the cellular level, TNF-α can lead to cell death through direct cytotoxicity and induction of apoptosis, and exposure of healthy explanted skin to TNF-α can induce epidermal detachment.4 Blocking or neutralizing TNF-α has proven effective in treating noninfectious inflammatory conditions, including Crohn disease, rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis. This evidence concerns the gene TNF and Crohn disease.