Fig 1. Reduced CD3ζ-expressing and IFNγ-secreting T cells in peripheral blood of stage IV melanoma patients.

Peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) samples obtained from melanoma patients pre-vaccination and from healthy donors (HD) were analysed by flow cytometry using antibodies reacting with CD3ζ chain (A) and IFNγ (B). Cells were stained after stimulation with phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) and ionomycin for four hours. Results are depicted for CD4⁺ (left panel) and CD8⁺ (right panel) T cells. Frequencies of IFNγ-secreting cells were calculated as percentage of living PBMC. Results are given for all patients as well as stratified to M category. Triangles for female and circles for male indicate patient’s gender. Horizontal bars represent median values. MFI, mean fluorescence intensity. *p<0.05, **p<0.01, ***p<0.001.