Fig. 2.
7-OD and DHEA modulate Mtb-specific immune responses. PBMCs from HIV-TB and HD were stimulated with gamma-irradiated Mtb as indicated in methods. a Effect of 7-OD and DHEA at different concentrations on Mtb-specific responses. The X axis indicates hormone concentrations. The Y axis shows cell proliferation or cytokine production. Values are relativized to cells stimulated with Mtb (100%). The results are plotted for HD (open bars) and HIV-TB patients (black bars). Error bars show mean ± SEM. Statistical analyses were performed using absolute values. Unpaired t test or Mann-Whitney U test *p < 0.05, **p < 0.01, ***p < 0.005 and ****p < 0.001. Numbers of individuals per group were from 8 to 18, according to sample availability. b Comparison of the immunomodulatory capacity of 7-OD and DHEA at 1 × 10−6M on PBMCs stimulated with Mtb. Values are relativized to the cells stimulated only with antigen (100%). The results are plotted for HIV-TB patients (black circles) and HD (open circles). Each symbol represents an individual subject. The statistical analysis was performed using absolute values. Unpaired t test or Mann-Whitney U test, as appropriated *p < 0.05, **p < 0.01, and ***p < 0.005. a and b To estimate the immunomodulatory effect of steroids, the response of Mtb-stimulated cells was defined as 100%. The calculation was: Modulation (%) = (Mtb-stimulated and hormone treated - unstimulated) / (Mtb-stimulated - unstimulated) × 100