MCEC were chosen as the prototype host cell since (i) they formed confluent leak-free monolayers (Fig. S1), (ii) during bacteremia Spn must cross this cell type to invade the myocardium to cause cardiac damage, and (iii) bacterial translocation across MCEC is platelet-activating factor receptor and laminin receptor dependent (27), consistent with CME as the means for bacterial translocation (26). The gene discussed is PTAFR; the disease is bacterial infectious disease with sepsis.