TJP1 and infection: In the initial phases of infection, TcdA and TcdB directly disrupt tight junctions and the cytoskeleton structure of intestinal epithelial cells (IEC), by inducing redistribution of OCLN, ZO-1, and actin filaments, resulting in increased epithelial cell permeability, intestinal bacterial translocation, and induction of a potent immunoinflammatory response25–27.