Despite the reported roles of AIM2-mediated immunity in both viral and bacterial infections (Fernandes-Alnemri et al, 2010; Kim et al, 2010; Rathinam et al, 2010; Wu et al, 2010; Ge et al, 2012; Reinholz et al, 2013), the factors regulating AIM2-mediated cell death remain poorly understood. Here, AIM2 is linked to bacterial infectious disease.