Apoptotic pathways play a critical role as defense mechanisms for a host when infected by a viral pathogen; BCL2 encodes an antiapoptotic protein that is known to be involved in a typical antiviral response (67), and the observed downregulation of BCL2 in the kidneys upon TCRV infection suggests promotion of apoptotic pathways stimulated by IFN signaling in response to infection. The gene discussed is BCL2; the disease is infection.