The activation of the TLR2/p38 pathway by sodium butyrate in bovine mammary epithelial cells is involved in the reduction of Staphylococcus aureus internalization.

•Sodium butyrate as a regulator of the innate immune response in mammary epithelium.•S. aureus internalization is reduced by sodium butyrate in mammary epithelium.•The S. aureus internalization reduction correlates with TLR2/p38 pathway activation.•Sodium butyrate improves the antimicrobial defense against pathogen invasion.