NFKB1 and infection: This is further supported by our findings that gene expression of the canonical NF-κB-dependent cytokines IL-8 and CXCL-1 were not observed at any time point in response to infection with P. histicola. Increased IL-6 gene expression was observed at 2 hours post infection with P. histicola with a reduction at 4 hours, indicating a possible role for the alternative NF-κB signalling pathway in the regulation of IL-6 gene expression, or/and a role for IKKα in the regulation of IL-6 gene expression [46].