Among the IL-17 signature genes, we have found the transcription factor NFKB1, chemokines such as CXCL8, CXCL10 as well as a plethora of antimicrobial molecules or regulators (DEFA5, LCN2, NOS2, REG3A) to be upregulated in NEC intestinal samples as compared to control. Here, NOS2 is linked to necrotizing enterocolitis.