Role of cellular apoptosis in the DTH response following sepsis. Bcl2-Tg or littermate C57BL/6 mice (A) or Bim−/− and Bim+/+ (C57BL/6 littermates) mice (B) were subjected to CLP or sham surgery. Four days postsurgery, mice were immunized s.c. with TNBS. After an additional 4 d, mice were challenged with TNBS in the right and PBS in the left footpad. Measurements (μm ± SE) were taken 24 h later and represent the difference between right (Ag challenge) and left footpad (PBS challenge). The data are reported as immune response to TNP. C, Bim−/− mice and Bim+/+ (C57BL/6 littermates) were subjected to CLP or sham surgery. Two days later, mice were given 107 γ-irradiated apoptotic spleen cells i.v. After an additional 2 d (4 d postsurgery), mice were immunized s.c. with TNBS. After an additional 4 d, mice were challenged with TNBS in the right and PBS in the left footpad. *Significant difference from C57BL/6 or Bim+/+ control mice (p < 0.01).