Notably, EV-A71 infection led to activation of the C5a–C5aR1 axis in U87-MG cells, and knockdown (siC5aR1) or blockade (PMX53) of C5aR1 significantly suppressed EV-A71-induced astrocyte activation and proinflammatory cytokine (e.g., CXCL1) production. The gene discussed is C5AR1; the disease is infection.