Figure 5. Hirudin-WBA – application as fast screening method to determine immunostimulatory side effects of siRNA therapeutics.

a–b – PBMC were stimulated with siRNA without (no meth) or with three 2′-O ribose methylated nucleotides (3x meth) delivered with p-L-Arginine (pArg) in increasing concentrations as indicated. After 48 h concentrations of IFN-α (a) and TNF-α (b) in supernatant was analyzed by ELISA. c–d – Done as described for (a) and (b) but whole blood assay anticoagulated with Hirudin was used. Results of eight donors are shown as mean +/− SD in (a–d). For sequence details of siRNA used see lower right paragraph.