SLC11A1 and infection: The 129/SvJ mouse model was chosen for several reasons: 129/SvJ mice 1) are genetically “resistant” to S. Typhimurium infection (i.e., they express Slc11A1 [35]), allowing a longer time course of study with minimal mouse death, 2) do not require antibiotic pre-treatment in order to promote gastrointestinal infection, and 3) shed S. Typhimurium in the feces for at least one year post-infection [11].