After SEG uptake, DCs stimulate lymphocytes bearing Vβ8.2 TCR.

<p>(<b>A</b>) DCs were pulsed 1 h at 37°C with SEG, washed, and co-cultured with isogenic splenocytes. FACS analysis of T cell populations was conducted with PE-conjugated anti-Vβ8.2+1 TCR and PE-conjugated anti-Vβ8.3 TCR monoclonal antibodies (BD Pharmingen). A control of non-pulsed DCs and splenocytes was conducted in parallel. (<b>B</b>) DCs pulsed at 37°C or 4°C with 50 µg/ml SEG were injected intradermically into BALB/c mice foot pads. Control animals were injected with non-pulsed DCs in parallel. FACs analysis with anti-Vβ8.2+1 and anti-Vβ8.3 was conducted on cells recovered from popliteal lymph nodes after 48 h. One representative experiment is shown of 3. <i>*p<0.05 and ** p<0.01</i>. (<b>C</b>) <b>Schematic diagram depicting SAgs uptake and trafficking in DCs.</b> After incorporation by macropinocytosis, SAgs can be located in early and late endosomes and lysosomes, as biologically active molecules, and then are recycled to the cell membrane. After trafficking, SAgs are capable of stimulate T cells bearing the proper TCR, triggering lymphocyte proliferation.