IL-1α and/or IL-1β gene deficient mice did not express IL-1α and/or IL-1β as expected, while IL-1α and IL-1β pulmonary levels were elevated in TNF-deficient mice at 4 weeks of M. tuberculosis infection, and were also elevated in IL-1R1 deficient mice as compared to wild-type control 5 weeks post infection. The gene discussed is IL1B; the disease is infection.