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Figure 4 | Retrovirology

Figure 4

From: Cytotoxic T lymphocyte lysis of HTLV-1 infected cells is limited by weak HBZ protein expression, but non-specifically enhanced on induction of Tax expression

Figure 4

Tax-expressing CD4 +cells are preferentially killed by CTL when loaded with HLA-A*0201 restricted peptide. Purified CD4+ cells from six HLA-A*02+ infected individuals (2 AC, 1 P, 3 HAM) were cultured for 12 h alone, to allow expression of viral proteins and any accompanying changes in cellular phenotype. BMLF-1 specific CTLs were introduced to the culture at an E:T ratio of 1:1 with and without the indicated concentration of BMLF-1 peptide. After a further 12 h incubation, the Tax expression by CD4+ cells was quantified by intracellular staining and flow cytometry. Percentage specific killing for each population and culture condition was calculated using the baseline frequency of Tax+CD4+ cells detected in the absence of specific peptide, and absolute CD4+ cell counts. Shaded symbols denote the frequency of Tax+ cells killed, open symbols denote the frequency of Tax− cells killed for each donor. Statistical analysis was performed using the Wilcoxon matched pairs test, Tax+ vs Tax−, two-tailed. Bars denote mean ± SEM. See Additional file 6 for donor characteristics.

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