Figure 1. Cytokine secretion in macrophages and human lung tissue after stimulation with NTHi.

Human lung tissue (HLT) and murine macrophages were stimulated for 24 h with NTHi 10⁶ cfu/ml. IL-1β and IL-18 concentrations were significantly increased in HLT (A+D). 6 h after stimulation with NTHi a caspase-1 inhibitor (Z-YVAD-FMK 100 µM) was added. After inhibition IL-1β and IL-18 concentrations in HLT and macrophages were significantly reduced (B,C and E).