For histological analysis, formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded mouse middle ear tissues were sectioned (4–5 μm), and then stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) to visualize inflammatory responses and pathological changes in the middle ear as described previously (32 (link), 33 (link), 35 (link)). For IF assay, IF detection of CYLD protein was performed using mouse anti-CYLD (Santa Cruz Biotechnology), and FITC-conjugated goat anti-mouse IgG (Santa Cruz Biotechnology) in the paraffin section of mouse middle ear tissues as described previously (35 (link)). Images of stained tissue sections were recorded under light- and fluorescence-microscopy systems (AxioVert 40 CFL, AxioCam MRC, and AxioVision LE Image system, Carl Zeiss), and analyzed by using a quantitative image analysis system with the VISIOPHARM Integrator System software version 3.0.8.0 (Visiopharm, Horsholm, Denmark).