Animal studies using EPO or EPO derivatives have demonstrated an improved memory and a reduced endothelial and neuronal degeneration in models of Alzheimer's disease [12–14], a protection against experimental cerebral malaria and pneumococcal meningitis [15, 16], downregulation of proinflammatory cytokines and upregulation of anti-inflammatory cytokines in a model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis [17], a reduction of progressive retinal degeneration [18], and neuroprotective effects in relation to status epilepticus [19] and cervical subacute spinal cord compression [20]. The gene discussed is EPO; the disease is pneumococcal meningitis.