The ΔvipA1-hcp1 double mutant showed heightened IL-1β levels at 4 h (P < 0.0001) and 8 h (P < 0.01), with sustained IL-8 and IL-6 overexpression across all infection stages (P < 0.0001; P < 0.01). The gene discussed is CXCL8; the disease is infection.