Figure 5

Caspase 8(L) expression. The expression of caspase 8(L) was analyzed at the transcriptional and protein expression levels (n = 15 for both groups and n = 5 for both groups, respectively). (a) At the transcriptional level, the uncultured peripheral blood derived mononuclear cells (PBMNCs) of systemic lupus erythemathosus patients showed a reduced caspase 8L:caspase 8 ratio. Representative images from patient and control bands are shown. (b) At the protein level, the ratios of the expression of caspase 8L:caspase 8a+b increased in the systemic lupus erythemathosus patient cells after culture for 14 days when compared to the uncultured PBMNC expression ratios, whereas the expression ratios remained the same in healthy control cells. Representative bands from the western blot are shown.