It was found that infection of the epithelium caused a significant increase in the expression of B7-H1 and B7-DC receptor mRNA, and that the mean intensity of fluorescence for these receptors was more than six-fold (B7-H1) and eight-fold (B7-DC) higher in SCC-25 cancer cells, and more than eight-fold (B7-H1) and five-fold (B7-DC) higher in PHGK cells. The gene discussed is CD274; the disease is infection.