To investigate the kinetics of osteopontin production during intestinal inflammation, we used the anti-CD40 model of colitis, in which treatment of T cell- and B cell-deficient mice (e.g. Rag-2-/-) with anti-CD40 results in weight loss, loose stools, rectal bleeding and inflammation of the colon mediated by IL-23 [30]. The gene discussed is SPP1; the disease is colitis.