OmpC-1-T4 immunization also significantly reduced bacterial loads in lung and brain tissues after PCN033 infection and decreased TNF-α and IL-6 expression in lung tissues, accompanied by reduced inflammatory infiltration and tissue damage.<h4>Conclusions</h4>Overall, the T4 phage-displayed OmpC epitope vaccine induced strong humoral immunity and provided protection against different ExPEC serotypes. Here, TNF is linked to infection.