Relative HBZ mRNA expression.

<p>Expression was calculated as 2^−ΔΔCt using the mean of β-actin as housekeeping controls. The statistical difference was deemed significant using a Mann-Whitney U test analysis if p<0.05. Horizontal bars denote median values. (A) Fold change of HBZ mRNA expression in PBMCs of 4 ACs and 5 HAM/TSP patients. (B) Positive correlation between HBZ mRNA levels and frequencies of CD39⁺CD25⁻ CD4⁺ T cells in HTLV-1-infected patients. (C) Positive correlation between HBZ mRNA level and frequency of CD39⁺CD25⁺ CD4⁺ T cells in HTLV-1-infected patients.