Compared to unstimulated A. phagocytophilum-infected cells a further statistically significant iNOS mRNA increase at time points 24 h, 48 h, 72 h (U = 0, n1 = n2 = 5, P = 0.0079) and 92 h (U = 1, n1 = n2 = 5, P = 0.0159) p.i. was seen when IFN-γ stimulation and infection were combined. Here, IFNG is linked to infection.