TBK1/IKKε mediates NK cell responses to iRBCs.

R-NK cells were co-cultured with iRBCs in the presence or absence of TBK1/IKKε inhibitor Bx795 (10 nM) for 96 h and parasitemia was quantified by flow cytometry. Representative Hoechst vs CD56 staining profiles of indicated cultures. Numbers indicate parasitemia (A). Comparison of reduction in parasitemia (B). Representative histograms of CD69 expression (C) and comparison of CD69 MFI (D) on NK cells from the indicated co-cultures at 96 h. (E) Quantification of the percentage of CD25-positive NK cells after co-culture for 96 h. (F) IFN-γ levels in the supernatants of indicated co-cultures after 96 h. Each symbol represents an individual. Error bars represent mean ± SD. *p<0.05, ****p<0.0001.