Fig. 5

Comparison of antiviral T cell proliferative responses in different lymphoid compartments in cats with FIP. Data plotted for each time-point PI on each graph represent T cell responses (frequencies of proliferating cells) detected for LMNC isolated from either a peripheral lymph node (PLN) or mesenteric lymph node (MLN) and for PBMC (blood) from an individual animal euthanized at that particular time-point due to FIP with terminal time-points representing 14 cats up to 106 days PI. The vertical dotted line for each graph divides time-points of euthanasia for cats showing rapid versus slow progression of disease. Controls represent T cell responses measured in similar lymphoid tissues and blood harvested from healthy uninfected age-matched SPF cats (n = 2). Responses for both T cell subsets for two different FIPV immunogens (WKV and viral peptides) are also shown (a). Values for T cell responses associated with PLN measured in cats showing rapid progression were compared to those detected for cats showing slower progression of disease and measured at later time points of infection (b). Numbers shown for each comparison represent P values calculated using a one-tailed Mann-Whitney U test (GraphPad Prism). P values < 0.05 were considered significant