EPGN and infection: As expected, the infection stimulated a strong immune response in MKN-28 cells, characterized by an over 2-fold increased transcription of genes IL1A, IL8, and IL24 encoding inflammatory cytokines, and of chemokine receptor ligand genes CXCL2, CXCL3 and CCL20. In addition, the bacterial infection activated transcription of EREG and EPGN, whose products are the ligands of the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR), as well as of STC2, TIPARP, TNFAIP3, CYP1A1, CYP1B1, PTGS2, LHX4, among others.