Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) deficiency increased the phagocytic cells after sepsis. 10⁸ fluorescein isothiocyanate–labeled carboxylate-modified microspheres (beads) in 200 μl were injected intraperitoneally at 23 h after sham or cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) surgery. One hour later, peritoneal cells were collected and analyzed using flow cytometry. (A–C) Percentage of cells with phagocytic function. (D–F) Single-cell phagocytic function. (G–I) TLR7 deficiency increased phagocytic cells in septic mice. *P < 0.05, **P < 0.01, ***P < 0.001. N = 5 to 9 mice per group. Unequal variance t test. Data are expressed as mean ± SD. LE, leukocytes; MΦ, macrophage; MFI, mean fluorescence intensity; NE, neutrophil; WT, wild-type.