In vivo effects of LPS administration on caspase-11 expression and numbers of CD11c⁺ splenic DCs. BALB/c mice (males; n = 6) were injected with LPS (100 μg). Twenty-four hours later, splenic CD11c⁺ DCs were purified and subjected to real-time RT-PCR for (A) IFNβ or (B) caspase-11. (C) wt and STAT-1^−/− mice were injected intraperitoneally with LPS (50 μg). Forty-eight hours later, splenocytes were analyzed for CD11c expression. (D) Model for IFNβ-induced apoptosis in mature DCs. Maturation by the cytokine cocktail activates NF-κB; IFNβ activates STAT-1. The 2 transcription factors bind to caspase-11 promoter. Caspase-11 subsequently activates caspase-3 and results in apoptosis.