PapRIV, a quorum-sensing heptapeptide derived from B. cereus, undergoes synthesis as a 48-amino acid polypeptide. This compound is secreted and then extracellularly processed by NprB proteases into its active form. At concentrations ranging from 1-25 µM, PapRIV triggers the production of IL-6 and TNF-α, as well as NF-κB translocation, specifically in BV-2 microglia cells.