As expected, iNKT cells produce substantial levels of IFN-γ and perforin shortly after MCMV challenge but the addition of TCR blockers or CD1d antibody prior to infection had minimal effect on iNKT cell function (72) indicating that iNKT cell activation by MCMV may be CD1d-independent and could be a consequence of IL-12 production by TLR-9-stimulated APC (86, 108). This evidence concerns the gene IFNG and infection.