Although endothelial B4galnt2 expression did not impact the development of colitis as judged by histology, RIII+ mice had lower pathogen burden in the cecum and lower levels of Mcp-1 and LCN-2 compared to RIII- mice, supporting a role for vascular B4galnt2 in host immune defense in the face of intestinal pathogens. The gene discussed is B4GALNT2; the disease is colitis.