Modified DCs were cultured in the absence or in the presence of CD40L or autologous CD4⁺ T cells plus sAg, and viable DCs were counted 3 days later using FACS. Survival of control-transfected DCs and of IκBαAA-transfected DCs in the presence of CD40L or T cells was set to 100% and 0%, respectively. (++) Rescue of survival of 50% or more to 100%, (+) of 10% or more to 50%, and (-) of less than 10% in CD40L-exposed (left column) and T cell/sAg-exposed (right column) DCs. Results are representative of 2 to 4 independent experiments.

ND indicates not determined.

Indicated transgenes or empty vector only were cotransfected with IκBαAA or control vector.

Alternatively, IκBαAA- or control vector—transfected DCs were incubated with the indicated caspase inhibitors (20 μM each).