In line with this theory, the inhibition of TLR4 in the intestinal epithelium showed protection against the development of an experimental NEC in a mouse model subjected to a combination of gavage formula feeds and intermittent hypoxia, while the use of small molecule TLR4 inhibitors prevented NEC in mice, piglet and human tissues ex vivo [141]. The gene discussed is TLR4; the disease is necrotizing enterocolitis.