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The opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa utilizes a cell density‐dependent signalling phenomenon known as quorum sensing (QS) to regulate several virulence factors needed for infection. Acylated homoserine lactones, or autoinducers, are the primary signal molecules that mediate QS in P. aeruginosa. The autoinducer N‐3O‐dodecanoyl‐homoserine lactone (3O‐C12) exerts effects on mammalian cells, including upregulation of pro‐inflammatory mediators and induction of apoptosis. However, the mechanism(s) by which 3O‐C12 affects mammalian cell responses is unknown. Here we report that 3O‐C12 induces apoptosis and modulates the expression of immune mediators in murine fibroblasts and human vascular endothelial cells (HUVEC). The effects of 3O‐C12 were accompanied by increases in cytosolic calcium levels that were mobilized from intracellular stores in the endoplasmic …