2.2.2 (d) Rv2615c stimulation leads to DNA fragmentation in
THP-1 macrophages
DNA fragmentation is another distinct feature of cells undergoing
apoptosis which was studied by TUNEL assay. At 16h, 24h and 48h, the
percentage of TUNEL positive cells in response to Rv2615c-stimulation
(Mean±SEM range of 22 % to 35%) were significant than the unstimulated
cells (Mean±SEM range of 3 % to 25%) and comparable to positive
control (LPS/Staurosporine stimulated) cells (Fig 1c and 1d). These
results depicted that the putative Rv2615c protein induces apoptotic
cell death in THP-1 macrophages.