Fig. 3

Multiplex analysis of TNF (a), IL-1β (b) and IFN-γ (c) levels in 5-day culture supernatants. The results reflect cytokine levels in M. leprae-stimulated cultures subtracted from unstimulated cultures. The three inflammatory cytokines were significantly lower in LL patients (n = 5) compared to BT patients (n = 5; *p < 0.05). All cytokines were produced in response to SEB (data not shown). IFN-γ levels in LL patients were also significantly lower in comparison to healthy volunteers (n = 5; *p < 0.05). Dotted-lines indicate established positive production levels in relation to negative controls