These findings may stimulate further work in the area to develop therapeutic interventions using a single, appropriately selected anti-flagellin antibody (i.e. one that targets its conserved regions to prevent binding of flagellin to TLR5) that would function synergistically with other successful burn treatments to stabilize the intestinal barrier and modulate MODS and SIRS. The gene discussed is TLR5; the disease is systemic inflammatory response syndrome.