Figure 3

Contribution of MICA to NK cells and CD8 ⁺ T cells mediated killing of human corneal epithelium. (A) Human MICA-transfected corneal epithelium or empty vector transfected corneal epithelium were preincubated for 4 h with either an isotype control (white bars), anti-MICA antibody (black bars) or anti-MHC class I antibody (gray bars) before being added to IL-2-activated NK cells (effector) at a 3:1 (E:T) ratio. (B) Human MICA-transfected corneal epithelium or empty vector transfected corneal epithelium were preincubated for 4 h with either an isotype control (white bars), anti-MICA antibody (black bars) or anti-MHC class I antibody (gray bars) before being added to allogeneic human CD8⁺T cells (effector) at a 10:1 (E:T) ratio. Nonparametric test comparing isotype and MICA antibody showed a statistical difference between groups for MICA-transfected cells (NK cells, P < 0.05; CD8⁺T cells, P < 0.05), but not for non-transfected cells. Data are presented as percentage of specific killing. Each assay was repeated three times and presented as mean ± standard error.