By immunohistochemistry (Fig. 7a–e), IL-1R8 (previously called SIGIRR or TIR8) was readily detectable in epithelial cells in the villi and crypts of non-NEC Controls and infants Recovered from NEC (Fig. 7a, far left and far right, Fig. 7b), whereas intact villi in NEC tissue exhibited a reduced IL-1R8 abundance (Fig. 7a, 2nd from left, Fig. 7b). The gene discussed is SIGIRR; the disease is necrotizing enterocolitis.