IFN-γ and IL-17-producing CD4-negative cell subsets proliferated in BAL fluid after rAg85B administration.

<p>OVA-immunized (i.p., day0 and 14) and sensitized (5% aerosolized-OVA, day21 to 25) BALB/c mice were challenged with PBS or rAg85B protein (i.p. (100 µg; days 0 and 14) and i.n. (20 µg; days 21, 23, and 25)). At 24 h after the last OVA sensitization, BAL fluid from naïve or OVA sensitized BALB/c mice treated with PBS or rAg85B, were harvested. BAL cells were stimulated with ionomycin and PMA for 5 h, and with brefeldin A added in the last 3 h. Flow cytometry of stimulated BAL cells from PBS-treated (upper) and rAg85B protein-treated (lower) OVA-sensitized mice stained with specific antibodies indicated marker. Numbers in quadrants indicate percent of cells in each (<i>A</i>). Absolute numbers of various cell populations (above graphs) in BAL fluid (<i>B</i>, <i>C</i>). Data are representative of three independent experiments (**P<0.01 compared with OVA control. error bars, s.d.; n = 6 mice).