IFN-γ has been identified as a key factor in restricting several intracellular pathogens, including Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Listeria monocytogenes, and Legionella pneumophila59–65, and previous studies have implicated a potential protective activity against Shigella in vitro and in a non-physiological intranasal infection model66–72. Here, IFNG is linked to infection.