Finally, we show that, in micerelatively susceptible to Borrelia infection - mice on a mixedC57BL/6 and C3H/HeN background - uPAR deficiency also impaired phagocytotic capacityin vitro, which was associated with higher B. burgdorferi numbers,more local inflammation and more severe carditis, compared to WT littermate controlanimals, further underscoring the in vivo relevance of our findings. The gene discussed is PLAUR; the disease is inflammation of heart layer.