Fig 4. The synergistic response of human beta defensin (HBD)-2 is lost after co-infection with flagellin deficient Pseudomonas aeruginosa (fliC) and human rhinovirus (HRV).

HBD-2 mRNA (n = 5) and HBD-2 protein (n = 10) levels were determined following infection of HBE cells for 48 h with HRV-16, wild-type P. aeruginosa (PA), flagellin-deficient P. aeruginosa (fliC) or the combination of either bacterial strain with HRV. Data are expressed as mean ± SEM. Hashtag indicates significant difference compared to all other treatment groups (p<0.05). (ns = not significant).