The levels of several pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-12p40) and chemokines (CCL2, CCL3, CCL4 and CCL5), including agents with a neurotrophic or neuroprotective potential (G-CSF and CXCL1) were significantly increased in MBL-null mice compared to WT on day 5 post-infection (all P<0.05). The gene discussed is MBL2; the disease is infection.