Immune-related genes, such as chemokine (Cxcr2) (36), C-type lectin (Clec4e) (37), chemokine ligand (Cxcl3) (38), tumor growth-related genes, galectin-7 (Lgals7) (39), and matrix metallopeptidase 8 (Mmp8) (40), were downregulated by colonization of B. plebeius in colon tissues of the mice exposed to AOM/DSS (Fig. 4c). This evidence concerns the gene LGALS7 and infectious otitis media.