Figure 6. MFG-E8 reconstitution restores CD4⁺ T cell homeostasis in vivo.

(A) Peritoneal macrophages recovered 2 months following transplantation (5 mice per group) were assayed for phagocytosis of labeled apoptotic thymocytes. Numbers refer to the percentage of cells within an indicated gate. (B) Serum cytokine levels measured by ELISA 2 months after transplant (n = 4). (C) Splenocytes (n = 4) were harvested 2 months after transplant and assayed for FoxP3 expression and (D) IL-17 and IFN-γ expression (CD3⁺CD4⁺ gated cells). (E) Peritoneal macrophages from mice that received transplants were loaded with apoptotic cells and used to stimulate allogeneic Balb/c splenocytes. Proliferation was determined by ³H-thymidine uptake. Similar results were obtained with 2 independent transplant experiments.