FIG 5.

NF-κB is activated by lactobacilli in a time-dependent manner. Pharyngeal epithelial cells were transfected with the inducible NF-κB reporter plasmid pNiFty and maintained for 2 days before incubation with L. reuteri and N. meningitidis, either alone or coincubated. Pam3CSK4 (Pam) stimulation was used as a positive control. Cell culture supernatants were collected at 2 h, 4 h, and 6 h postincubation. NF-κB activity is expressed relative to the control. Data are represented as the mean values, with error bars representing the standard deviations. The assay was performed in duplicate at least three times. Significance was tested against the control. *, P < 0.05.