After identifying the CCAAT/enhancer binding protein (C/EBP) transcription factor family as important in epicardial activation, it was found that viral gene transfer of dominant-negative mutant C/EBP improved ejection fraction and fibrosis after MI and reduced local neutrophil count; however, the causal link between lowering the inflammatory infiltrate and improving outcome was not directly demonstrated91. This evidence concerns the gene CEBPA and myocardial infarction.