Figure 9. IFN-free therapy with DCV/ASV improves the effector response of NK cells.

PBMC were stimulated in vitro with the indicated concentration of IFNα and the percentage of TRAIL+ cells in the CD56^bright NK cell population was determined. For each of the indicated patients (patient numbers refer to Table 1), the NK cell response in PBMC sample prior to DCV/ASV therapy (open circles, dotted line) was compared to the NK cell response in a PBMC sample at the end of successful DCV/ASV therapy (filled circles, continuous line). EC50, IFNα concentration resulting in 50% of the maximal TRAIL response of CD56^bright NK cells.