PECs treated with GeRPs containing scrambled (Scr) or Map4k4 (oligo 1) siRNA, and stimulated with 1 µg ml−1 LPS for the indicated amounts of time were analysed for phospho- (P-) and total JNK1/2 (a) and p38 MAPK (b), and for total IκBα (c). Representative blots are shown from three experiments. Immunoblot signals are expressed in arbitrary units (a.u.) and data represent mean ± s.e.m. (n = 3). Filled squares, Scr siRNA; open triangles, Map4k4 siRNA. d, Schematic diagram of potential Map4k4 signalling to modulate the expression of inflammatory genes such as Tnf and Il1b.