Fig. 1

CD40 Ab and OK-432 showed synergistic function in activating human DCs. A Expression of HLA-DR in human DCs. The expression of HLA-DR showed a marginal increase in agent-treated groups. B CD40 Ab and OK-432 synergistically activated the expression of CD83. The experiment was performed in six groups, including three control groups: Neg-Ctrl (without any agent), Ag-Ctrl (with anergic antigen), and TNF-α (positive control), and three test groups: CD40 Ab, OK-432, and 40,432 groups (combinational group, CD40 Ab, and OK-432). Compared with the control groups (Neg-Ctrl, Ag-Ctrl, and TNF-α), the expression of CD83 was separately improved by CD40 Ab and OK-432, and the synergistic 40,432 group displayed the most significant improvement. C CD40 Ab and OK-432 synergistically improved the ratio of type 1 DCs (DC1). The number of DC1 was separately increased by CD40 Ab and OK-432; the effect in the synergistic 40,432 group was prominent. D Combination of CD40 Ab and OK-432 significantly promoted the production of IL-12. The secretion of inflammatory mediator IL-12 was strongly stimulated in the combinational group (CD40 Ab + OK-432). Value represents mean ± standard error of mean. P-value represents the comparison of control group versus tested groups