Although multiple studies have addressed the basis for the inhibitory effects of IL-27 on Th1, Th2 and Th17 cell responses (Banchereau et al, 2012; Hunter & Kastelein 2012), this is the first study linking IL-27 to IL-17A suppression in innate γδ T cells, which sensitized the host to secondary pneumococcal pneumonia following influenza infection. Here, IL27 is linked to pneumococcal pneumonia.