Further characterization of the exact phenotype of CD11b+ Ly6G+ cells and the delineation of the mechanisms through which alcohol enhances IFN-α production by Ly6G+ cells during Mtb infection will facilitate the development of therapies for alcoholic individuals with latent and active Mtb. Our findings may also be applicable to other intracellular pathogen infections. The gene discussed is ITGAM; the disease is infection.