Increased survival of Bim^−/− DCs. (A) mDCs and pDCs enriched from wild-type (WT) or Bim^−/− mouse spleens were cultured in vitro for 12 or 24 hours, followed by analysis of cell loss by flow cytometry. Data shown (mean ± SD) are averages of 3 sets of mice of each genotype. (B) mDCs and pDCs enriched from 3 to 5 wild-type (WT) or lpr mouse spleens were cultured in vitro for 20 hours, followed by analysis of cell loss. Data shown (mean ± SD) are averages of 3 sets of mice of each genotype. (C) Mice were either untreated or injected with OT1 or OT2 cells. Twenty-four hours later, WT or Bim^−/− DCs with or without pulsing of corresponding OVA peptides were labeled with CFSE and injected into the footpad of these mice. CFSE⁺ DCs in the draining lymph nodes (LNs) were quantitated at days 1, 2, and 5 after DC injection. Data shown are the representative of 2 separate experiments and are presented as mean ± SD of 3 mice per injected group at each time point. Statistical significance between mice injected with wild-type and Bim^−/− DCs was analyzed by Student t test, and the P values are as follows: .024 (day 1), .043 (day 2), .001 (day 5); in groups injected with DC/OVA_SINFEKL: .149 (day 1), .220 (day 2), .013 (day 5); and in groups injected with DC/OVA_323-339, .029 (day 1), .205 (day 2), .048 (day 5).