Interestingly, blocking p38 MAPK (p38MAPKi) activity in senescent HeLa cells resulted in significantly reduced activation of STAT3 at 4h and 16h post-infection (Figures 3A, B) and increased phosphorylation of ERK at early time points (1h and 4h) of infection (Figures 3A, C). The gene discussed is STAT3; the disease is infection.