MAP2K7 and periodontitis: Since it is well-documented that stimuli like LPS and TNFα can activate the p38 and MEK/ERK pathways in neutrophils (25, 51, 52) and high levels of TNFα are present in periodontitis active sites (53, 54), we tested the effect of F. alocis pre-treatment on TNFα-induced MAPK signaling cascade.