CpG-A activates NK cells and CD8 T cells and up-regulates CD69 expression on these cells. (A) PBMCs from SS patients (n = 18, ▪) and healthy volunteers (n = 8, ▦) were stimulated with CpG-A, control CpG ODN, or IFN-α (10 ng/mL) as described in Figure 2. Cells were then harvested, stained with appropriate antibodies, and analyzed for the expression of CD69 on CD56 NK cells. Data represent means (± SD) of tested individuals and are presented as a percentage of CD56 NK cells. ^**P < .001 compared with medium or control CpG. (B) PBMCs from SS patients (n = 7, left panel) and healthy volunteers (n = 5, right panel) were stimulated with CpG-A, control CpG ODN, or IFN-α as described in Figure 2, followed by a 4 hours' Cr⁵¹ release assay using K562 cells as targets. Data represent means (± SD) of tested individuals and are presented as a percentage of specific lysis. (C) PBMCs from SS patients (n = 18, ▪) and healthy volunteers (n = 8, ▦) were stimulated with CpG-A, control CpG ODN, or IFN-α as described in Figure 2. Cells were then harvested, stained with appropriate antibodies, and analyzed for the expression of CD69 on CD8 T cells. Data represent means (± SD) of tested individuals and are presented as a percentage of CD8 T cells expressing CD69. ^*P < .05 compared with medium or control CpG.