MAPK8 and infection: JNK1/2 phosphorylation was also markedly reduced during infection with the rim101Δ/Δ mutant when compared to infection by wild-type C. albicans. No JNK1/2 phosphorylation was observed when epithelial cells were infected with the efg1Δ/Δ cph1Δ/Δ mutant nor with S. cerevisiae. These results demonstrate that robust JNK1/2 phosphorylation occurs in response to wild-type C. albicans and is reduced or absent in response to less pathogenic strains.