Figure 5.

Xenoprotective properties of genetically modified chondrocytes on C3/C5 convertase level. Activated C3 (C3b, iC3b, C3c) deposition on porcine chondrocytes were quantified by specific cell ELISA after exposure the NHS (20% or 40% and heat-inactivated). Results were normalized to DNA content (determined by Hoechst staining) and are given in the diagram as ratio to unstimulated chondrocytes (dotted line) (A). Additional, C5a formation was determined in supernatants of NHS (40%) treated chondrocytes and NHS alone served as control (B). The variant TG was excluded from the statistical analysis due to low number of donors. Statistical analysis was done by two-way (A) or one-way ANOVA (B) with Dunnett’s multiple comparisons test. p-values are given for significant differences compared to WT, n = 3–6.