Although we did not explore the role of tau in innate immune defenses here, future studies should address whether variants at the MAPT locus, which alter the risk to PD (Elbaz et al. 2011; Oikawa et al. 2016; Rousseaux et al. 2016; Edwards et al. 2010), also change the susceptibility in mammals regarding infections by virulent xenobiotics, or alternatively, modify their course (as does a mutant Snca genotype). Here, SNCA is linked to infection.