Primate TNF promoters reveal markers of phylogeny and evolution of innate immunity.

Background: Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is a critical cytokine in the immune response whose transcriptional activation is controlled by a proximal promoter region that is highly conserved in mammals and, in particular, primates. Specific single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) upstream of the proximal human TNF promoter have been identified, which are markers of human ancestry.

Methodology/principal Findings: Using a comparative genomics approach we show that certain fixed genetic differences in the TNF promoter serve as markers of primate speciation.