IL6 and infection: Analysis of mRNA expression in the dura mater and spinal cord within the cervical region revealed that expression of mRNA encoding CXCL13, CCL2, and IL-17A was significantly elevated at 2 weeks following B. burgdorferi administration (Fig. 4a–c), while levels of mRNA encoding IL-6 were higher at 4 weeks following infection (Fig. 4d).