Fig. 6

A schematic summary of the data obtained with the Nm serogroup B strains. Wild type and the capsule-depleted mutant of NmB invade into HIBCPP cells representing the CP epithelium, with the mutant strain displaying higher invasion rates. Infection of HIBCPP cells by Nm leads to activation of the MAPKs Erk1/2 and p38. Inhibition of Erk1/2 and p38 with U0126 or SB203580, respectively, differentially influences the invasion by the different Nm strains. Whereas inhibition of Erk1/2 or p38 signalling reduces invasion by the wild type, invasion by the mutant is enhanced following inhibition of Erk1/2. Infection with wild type or capsule depleted Nm causes specific regulation of inflammatory response genes in the host cells, which is influenced by inhibition of Erk1/2. The impact on host cell processes cells was determined GO analysis. GO terms pointing to certain cellular processes, as production of IL-6 or regulation of TNF production, are lost specifically following Erk1/2 inhibition during infection with wild type Nm