Given the important role of IL-1 in anti-staphylococcal immunity, as well as compelling evidence demonstrating that IL-1 signaling impacts bone cells in vitro, we hypothesized that MyD88 and IL-1R signaling are required for efficient antibacterial immune responses during osteomyelitis, but paradoxically may also promote pathologic bone loss. The gene discussed is IL1B; the disease is osteomyelitis.