However, on the other hand, when faced with infection by Gram-positive bacteria, such as Bacillus anthracis and Staphylococcus aureus, the up-regulation of HK2 can lead to IL-1β and IL-18 increased production, mediated by the NLRP3 inflammasome most likely inducing an exacerbated inflammatory response. The gene discussed is HK2; the disease is infection.