This result pointed out that ALA might also inhibit the immune function of erythrocytes via GPA receptor, just like ALA down regulated the infection related surface markers CD11b, CD54, CD812 (Additional file 1: Fig. S2B) and IL-8 in neutrophils and monocytes (Additional file 1: Fig. S2C, D). The gene discussed is CXCL8; the disease is infection.