To test whether IL-17C directly activates ERK-signaling in epithelial-derived cancer cell lines and in primary epithelial cells, we stimulated murine (LA4) and human (Calu-3) cancer cell lines as well as primary human bronchial epithelial cells (HBEC) with IL-17C, NTHi, and the combination of IL-17C and NTHi. The gene discussed is IL17C; the disease is cancer.