The serum levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin 12p70 (IL-12p70) from the three mouse groups showed a sharp peak at 8 h after infection (Fig. 4A); the peak values returned to basal levels at 12 or 16 h after infection. Here, IL6 is linked to infection.