Figure 1: VV infection generates IL-12-dependent CD122⁺CD49b⁺ NK cells.

(a) Representative plots and quantification of lung CD45⁺CD3⁻CD122⁺CD49b⁺ cells of uninfected versus VV-infected WT or Rag2^−/−Il2rg^−/− mice. Data represent two similar experiments (n=3–5 mice per group per experiment). (b) IL-12 serum levels in VV-infected WT or Rag2^−/−Il2rg^−/− mice were compared to controls. Data represent two independent experiments (n=3–5 mice per group per experiment). (c) Schedule of α-p40 administration in VV-infected mice. Representative plots and quantification of lung CD45⁺CD3⁻CD122⁺CD49b⁺ cells of VV-infected WT, Il12rb2^−/− or Rag2^−/−Il2rg^−/− mice treated with Ctrl IgG or α-p40. Data represent two independent experiments with at least three mice per group. Statistical analysis was performed (*P<0.05, **P<0.01, unpaired Student’s t-test without (a) or with (b,c) Welch’s correction) and error bars represent±s.e.m.