Notably, due to inter-individual variation, one single Nlrc4−/− mouse already harbored exceptionally high epithelial S.Tm loads (>104/tissue section) and showed signs of inflammation (red dot in Fig. 2b, c), typically observed at later stages of the infection (~18 h p.i.)in this genetic background.39 In this one animal, dislodged epithelial cells were also frequently found in the lumen (Fig. 2d, red dot). The gene discussed is NLRC4; the disease is infection.