By 7 hr after infection of mice pre-treated with IL-21, we observed differential expression of a range of genes, including those encoding the cytolytic proteases granzyme A (Gzma) and granzyme B (Gzmb) as well as genes involved in chemoattraction (Ccl3), mucus hyperproduction (Muc5b, Clca3), and anti-microbial defense (e.g., Retnla, Reg3g, Ifi44, Oasl2, Gbp1, and Ngp) (Figure 1G and Supplementary file 1) (Dietert et al., 2014; Zanin et al., 2016). Here, IL21 is linked to infection.