FIG 1.
Screening inflammasome-inducing compounds for IL-1β-inducing activity and adjuvant effect. (A) Following differentiation into macrophage-like cells via PMA incubation, THP-1 cells were seeded into wells of a 24-well tissue culture plate and incubated with 10 μg/ml inflammasome and NOD ligands. Supernatants were sampled at 24, 48, and 72 h and analyzed for IL-1β content by ELISA. (B) Bone marrow-derived macrophages were preexposed to 1 μg MPLA for 2 h prior to exposure to putative adjuvants and IL-1β responses measured. (C) CB6F1 adult female mice were immunized i.m. with 0.1 μg dose of H1N1 antigen with or without adjuvant candidates or control treatments. Mice were challenged 4 weeks after immunizations with 6 × 104 PFU H1N1 Eng 195 influenza virus and monitored daily for weight loss before harvest on day 7. (D) Day 7 (d7) weights. Data represent weight changes during influenza virus infection. (E and F) Levels of serum anti-H1N1 IgG (E) and BAL fluid anti-H1N1 IgA (F) on day 7 postinfection. Points in panels A and B represent the means of the results of n = 3 studies. ***, P < 0.001 (comparing NanoSiO2 and control). Points (C), bars (D), and lines (E and F) represent mean results determined with n = 3 mice.