A study comparing cytokine expression in γδ T cells isolated from intestinal epithelial lymphocytes (IELs) between necrotic intestinal segments of NEC infants and those with intestinal atresia found that the proportion of γδ T cells in the necrotic intestinal segments of NEC infants was significantly reduced, while the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., IL-6, TNF-α, IL-17) mediated by these cells was increased. Here, TNF is linked to necrotizing enterocolitis.