SLPI and infection: Given the role of SLPI in immunomodulation as both part of host defense against pathogens, as well as mitigating inflammatory response through the protection of epithelial cells from endogenous proteases, we hypothesize that this variant is contributing to OM risk through its (A) negative impact on the ability of SLPI to maintain host defense and (B) impaired ability to protect the host epithelial tissues against chronic inflammation and associated damage during innate immune response to infection.