However, our results from IFNγ−/− mice supports our proposal that IL-4 and IL-6 protects the mitochondria during infection as these mice, which had higher levels of IL-4 and IL-6 but a similar pathogen burden to WT mice, had no reduction of the levels of any of the four complexes during C. rodentium infection, and greatly reduced NO generation. The gene discussed is IL4; the disease is infection.