Dextran-based transwell permeability assays using fluorescently labeled dextrans of 70 kDa showed a significant increase in the permeability of BEAS-2B cells to dextran upon infection with the HuN001 or HN05 strain (Fig. 6B), which was also supported by the decreased expression of junction molecules (ZO-1, β-catenin, and E-cadherin) (Fig. 6C). Here, TJP1 is linked to infection.