TABLE 3.

Differential stimulation of CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells by S. mutans^a

Bacterial concn	Mean ± SE
	CD4 (%)	CD8 (%)	CD4/CD8
PBMC control	48.40 ± 1.06	24.10 ± 0.67	2.11 ± 0.09
S. mutans
104	48.16 ± 1.06	25.71 ± 0.67	1.99 ± 0.09
105	42.71 ± 1.06b	27.01 ± 0.67b	1.71 ± 0.09b
106	44.34 ± 1.06b	26.46 ± 0.67b	1.74 ± 0.09b

^aPBMC (10⁶/ml) from nine individuals were stimulated with 10⁴ to 10⁶ S. mutans bacteria/ml for 7 days, and CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ cells were identified by flow cytometry. 

^bSignificantly different (P < 0.03) from values for PBMC controls.