In models of Herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) infection, inhibition of TGFβ signalling in immune cells leads to the expansion of natural killer (NK) cells, increased IFNγ production and hence better control of viral infection, which in turn is associated with reduced immune cell infiltration at the site of infection (Allen et al., 2011). The gene discussed is TGFB1; the disease is infection.