Sequential delivery of maturation stimuli increases human dendritic cell IL-12 production and enhances tumor antigen-specific immunogenicity

BACKGROUND: Despite the increasing use of dendritic cells (DCs) in clinical trials, questions regarding the optimal means of DC preparation, in particular how to achieve optimal maturation, remain unanswered. We hypothesized that delivering two separate sequential maturation signals to DC in vitro, mimicking the process of DC maturation that occurs in vivo, would enhance the ability of DCs to generate antigen-specific effector T cells in an experimental in vitro antimelanoma model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Human monocyte-derived DCs were transfected with mRNA encoding melanoma-associated antigen Mart-1 (MART) or influenza M1 matrix protein (M1). After mRNA transfection, DCs were left untreated or exposed to different maturation stimuli either added simultaneously or delivered sequentially 18 h after first stimulation. Phenotypic DC cell-surface marker changes and IL-12 secretion were analyzed. Specific antigen presentation by DCs was measured by IFN-gamma release Elispot assay using a CD8(+) MART peptide-specific T cell clone. RNA-transfected and treated DCs were cultured with autologous naive T cells and the induction of antigen-specific effector T cells were assessed by IFN-gamma release Elispot assay. RESULTS: DCs transfected and matured had increased cell-surface expression of CD40 and costimulatory molecules CD80, and CD86. DCs matured and further treated by soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L) had a 10- and 2-fold increase in MART antigen presentation compared to untreated (immature) DCs and DCs treated only with a first maturation signal, respectively (Elispot P = 0.02). Delivery of sequential maturation stimuli resulted in maximal DC IL-12 secretion compared to simultaneous stimuli. Last, generation of antigen-specific effector T cells more than doubled with the sequential addition of sCD40L to mature DC stimulators (Elispot P = 0.009). CONCLUSIONS: Maturation of DCs following mRNA transfection increases expression of cell-surface costimulatory molecules. Delivery of a second sequential maturation stimulus enhances antigen presentation, increases IL-12 secretion, and augments immunogenicity as evidenced by generation of tumor antigen-specific effector T cells. This strategy should be considered in the future development of RNA-based DC vaccine strategies for the treatment of cancer.     

Neuroblastoma-induced inhibition of dendritic cell IL-12 production via abrogation of CD40 expression

Background/Purpose

CD40 expression by dendritic cells (DCs) critically regulates their maturation/antitumor activity. CD40-CD40 ligand (CD40L) signaling stimulates DC-mediated IL-12 production/cytotoxicity. Recent studies suggest that neuroblastoma (NB)-derived gangliosides impair DC maturation, IL-12 secretion, and NK/T-cell activity. Neuroblastoma ganglioside-mediated abrogation of CD40 expression by DC and tumor-induced tolerance has not been studied. The purpose of this study is to determine if NB inhibits DC IL-12 production via CD40. The contributory role of the NB-derived ganglioside G_M3 in this process is also examined.

Methods

Dendritic cells were generated from bone marrow of mice injected with saline (control) or murine NB. Control DCs were matured with or without G_M3. Dendritic cells were cocultured with NB cells treated with or without a ganglioside synthesis inhibitor. Dendritic cell groups were analyzed for maturation/costimulatory markers. Control and tumor-derived DC were stimulated with CD40L or Staphylococcus aureus and studied for IL-12 expression.

Results

CD40 expression on DC generated from NB bearing mice decreased by 64% (P < .001). G_M3 down-regulated DC maturation and CD40 expression. Only CD40-dependent IL-12 production was abrogated (60%, P < .01) in DC derived from NB-bearing mice. Dendritic cell capacity to synthesize IL-12 remained intact.

Conclusions

Neuroblastoma-induced inhibition of DC function may result from ganglioside-mediated CD40 signaling deficiency. Strategies to bypass/augment CD40-CD40L signaling may improve current NB immunotherapies.     

慢性粒细胞白血病患者的骨髓间充质干细胞对树突状细胞功能的调控

目的 探讨慢性粒细胞白血病(CML)患者骨髓间充质干细胞(MSC)对单个核细胞来源的树突状细胞(DC)的功能的调控及其机制.方法 采用细胞贴壁法获取CML患者骨髓MSC,在低血清培养液中培养和扩增.获取正常成人志愿者外周血单个核细胞,直接在体外诱导生成DC(正常DC组),另加入正常志愿者MSC(正常诱导组)或CML患者骨髓MSC(CML诱导组)以诱导生成DC.用流式细胞仪检测各组收获DC的免疫表型及MSC对DC吞噬功能的影响;用酶联免疫吸附试验检测各组DC白细胞介素12(IL-12)的分泌;混合淋巴细胞反应检测MSC对DC介导的异体T淋巴细胞增殖能力的抑制作用.结果与正常DC组相比较,正常诱导组和MSC诱导组培养7 d后未成熟DC的共刺激分子CD1a、CD80、CD83、CD86、CD40和HLA-DR的表达量较低(P＜0.05);与正常DC组相比较,诱导9 d后,正常诱导组和MSC诱导组成熟DC的CD40、CD86和CD83的表达量较低(P＜0.05).与正常DC组相比较,CML诱导组的不成熟DC的吞噬功能显著降低(P＜0.05),CML诱导组DC IL-12的分泌量显著下降(P＜0.05).CML诱导组的DC对T淋巴细胞增殖的刺激作用有所下降(P＜0.05).结论 CML患者骨髓MSC对DC的分化成熟以及其免疫调控能力有一定的抑制作用.

Abstract：

Objective To study the effects and mechanisms of mesenthymal stem cells (MSCs)derived bone marrow of patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) on function of monocytederived dendritic cells in vitro. Methods Bone marrow mononuclear cells from CML patients were obtained and cultured. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) derived from normal volunteers were isolated and cultured in DC differentiational condition. Moreover, PBMCs were co-cultured with CML bone marrow-derived MSCs (CML-MSC) or normal volunteers' bone marrow-derived MSC (normal-MSC) in DC differentiational condition. Immunophenotype and the endocytosis of monocytederived DCs were investigated by FACS. The level of IL-12 was evaluated by enzyme linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA). The immunoregulatory ability was detected by mixed lymphocyte culture assay. Results CML-MSCs or normal-MSC inhibited the up-regulation of CD1a,CD40,CD80,CD86,and HLA-DR during DC differentiation and reduced CD40,CD86,and CD83 expression during DC maturation. CML-MSCs inhibited the endocytosis of DCs and decreased their capacity to secret IL-12. CML-MSC could significantly suppress the function of DCs stimulating proliferation of T lymphocytes. Conclusion CML-derived MSCs harbored effect on the differentiation and maturation of DCs in vitro ; CML-MSC could inhibit the immunregulation of DCs.     

白细胞介素-12基因修饰对树突状细胞表面分子表达及细胞因子分泌的影响

目的 观察白细胞介素(IL)-12基因修饰对树突状细胞(DC)表面分子及细胞因子分泌的影响.方法 采用重组逆转录病毒介导IL-12基因修饰人外周血单个核细胞(PBMC)来源的Dc;ELISA法检测各组DCs和各组T细胞上清中IL-12、IL-10、IFN-γ因子的分泌水平;流式细胞仪(FACS)分析各组DC表面CD83、CD86的表达;MTT法检测DC刺激同源T淋巴细胞增殖的能力;统计学分析比较各组间的差异.结果 IL-12基因修饰使得DC高表达CD83和CD86分子,分泌高水平IL-12及IFN-γ,但对IL-10因子的分泌无明显影响,刺激同源T淋巴细胞增殖明显,诱导激活的T细胞上清中IFN-γ水平显著增高、IL-10分泌水平显著降低.结论 经IL-12基因修饰后的DC表型成熟,分泌IL-12及IFN-γ的能力增强,对IL-10因子的分泌无影响,能抑制T细胞分泌IL-10因子,优化抗原提呈的微环境.     

High-avidity antitumor T-cell generation by toll receptor 8-primed, myeloid- derived dendritic cells is mediated by IL-12 production

BACKGROUND: High-level production of heterodimeric p70 interleukin (IL)-12 by myeloid-derived dendritic cells (DCs) requires 2 signals: interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) and a maturation signal provided by CD40 ligation (CD40L) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS). METHODS: In the current study we demonstrate that signaling through toll-like receptor (TLR) 8, but not TLR3, TLR2, or TLR4, provides a priming signal to myeloid-derived DC for high IL-12 p70 heterodimer production. RESULTS: All the TLR agonists induced maturation of DC as evidenced by increased expression of CD83, CD80, and CD86. Both IFN-gamma and TLR7/8 agonist R848 increased expression of TLR8 in immature monocyte-derived DCs. The combination of TLR7/8 agonist R848 and maturation signals LPS or CD40L induced high-level expression of IL-12p35 and p40 similar to that induced by IFN-gamma plus LPS. In contrast, receptor agonists specific for TLR7 did not prime for IL-12 production. The p70 IL-12 produced by the TLR8-primed DC polarized CD4+ T for Th1 cytokine production and induced CD8+ T cells, displaying high functional avidity with enhanced tumor cell recognition. CONCLUSIONS: The data suggest that toll 8 receptor agonists are useful for inducing type-1 polarized DCs for vaccine design in treating cancer and infectious disease.     

A novel bispecific antihuman CD40/CD86 fusion protein with t-cell tolerizing potential

Clinical trials designed to achieve tolerance in humans by selectively antagonizing one of the T-cell costimulatory pathways, CD40-CD40L or CD80/CD86-CD28, are pending. However, simultaneous blockade of both pathways synergistically prevented graft rejection and successfully induced donor-specific tolerance in animal models. Synergism is also supported in human T-cells in vitro following anti-CD86 mAb and anti-CD40 mAb blockade. Therefore, in our view the most promising clinical strategy would be to antagonize both CD40 and CD86. Fast clinical entrance of this anti-CD86 and anti-CD40 bidirectional concept is highly facilitated by a single molecule approach. In the present study, a single bispecific fusion protein was constructed that specifically binds human CD40 and CD86 and which combines the antagonistic activities of both anti-CD40 and anti-CD86 humanized mAb. The anti-CD40/86 fusion protein showed tolerance inducing potential as it prevented both allogeneic T-cell expansion and generation of cytotoxic effector T cells and induced anergic antigen specific regulatory T cells. These data provide proof of concept in successfully combining the antagonistic activity of two humanized mAb with great clinical potential in transplantation and autoimmunity, in one single molecule.     

CMRF-44 antibody-mediated depletion of activated human dendridic cells: a potential means for improving allograft survival

BACKGROUND: Activated dendritic cells (DC) initiate immune responses by presenting antigen, including alloantigen from tissue grafts, to T lymphocytes. The potential to deplete or inactivate differentiated-activated DC during allogeneic transplantation represents a new approach to immunosuppression. METHODS: The authors investigated the potential of the monoclonal antibody CMRF-44, which has specificity for a DC-associated differentiation-activation antigen, to induce complement-mediated lysis of activated human DC. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), or purified DC preparations, were cultured overnight to activate endogenous DC, resulting in the expression of CMRF-44 antigen and CD83. These were then treated with CMRF-44 and complement. Depletion of activated DC was monitored by flow cytometry. RESULTS: Eighty-nine percent of activated (CD83+) DC in cultured PBMC were depleted by treatment with CMRF-44 and autologous serum (AS) (complement source; mean percentage of CD83+-CD14--CD19- cells=0.06%; cf 0.50% for heat-inactivated AS controls, P<0.0005, n=7). Ninety-five percent of cultured purified myeloid DC were depleted by this treatment, compared with only 43% of similarly treated lymphoid DC. Overnight culture also increases CMRF-44 antigen on a proportion of B cells and mononuclears, but only 24% of these cells were depleted. This treatment considerably reduced the ability of PBMC to stimulate allogeneic CD4+ CD45RA+ T lymphocytes. Similarly, the T-cell proliferative responses to recall and naive antigens were significantly reduced. CONCLUSIONS: CMRF-44 may be a suitable candidate for a new selective immunosuppressive strategy, targeting differentiated-activated but not resting DC. It may have applications in preventing GVHD in allogeneic bone marrow transplantation and facilitate immunoacceptance of solid organ allografts.     

Activation of human dendritic cells by porcine aortic endothelial cells: transactivation of na?ve T cells through costimulation and cytokine generation.

BACKGROUND: Dendritic cells (DC) are the most potent antigen-presenting cells in the immune system. To define the role of human DC in human anti-porcine immune responses, we defined the interaction of human DC with porcine aortic endothelial cells (PAEC). METHODS: To determine the immune responses, both monocyte-derived and peripheral blood DC were cultured with porcine and human endothelial cells. We analyzed the role of CD11a, CD11b, and CD54 in a cell-to-cell adhesion assay using antibodies against these molecules. The expression pattern of costimulatory molecules (CD40, CD80, CD86), adhesion molecules (CD54), and intracellular cytokines (interleukin-12p70 and tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-alpha) in DC after interaction with endothelial cells was determined by immunofluorescence. RESULTS: Human DC significantly adhered to PAEC (38-40%), and this adhesion was augmented (>50%) upon treatment with either recombinant swine interferon-gamma or recombinant human TNF-alpha. Addition of human DC to PAEC was blocked by pretreatment of DC with antibodies specific to human leukocyte function-associated antigen-1 or CD54. Adhesion of DC to PAEC also resulted in the activation of DC, which was manifested by up-regulation of costimulatory molecules (CD40, CD80, CD86), adhesion molecules (CD54), and HLA-DR. PAEC-activated human DC provided proliferative signals to the na?ve autologous CD4+ T cells and synthesized interleukin-12p70 and TNF-alpha. However, activated DCs failed to lyse PAEC in such interaction. CONCLUSION: Human DC effectively adhered to PAEC and were activated by xenoantigen, resulting in highly efficient antigen presentation and proliferation of CD4+ T cells. Further, this interaction of human DC to PAEC is regulated by the participation of costimulatory and adherence molecules and cytokines.     

Dendritic cells exposed to nacystelyn are refractory to maturation and promote the emergence of alloreactive regulatory t cells

BACKGROUND: Drugs blocking dendritic cell (DC) maturation might be useful in transplantation by inhibiting the induction of primary alloimmune responses and promoting the emergence of regulatory T lymphocytes (Treg). We investigated the effects of Nacystelyn (NAL), an N-acetyl-L-cysteine derivative, on human DCs, paying attention to the T-cell responses elicited by NAL-treated DCs in vitro. METHODS: Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was used to induce the maturation of DCs naturally present in blood or generated from human monocytes cultured in interleukin-4 and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating activity. We first analyzed the consequences of NAL on cytokine production and expression of major histocompatibility complex class II and costimulatory molecules. Monocyte-derived DCs were then used as stimulators in mixed leukocyte cultures with naive CD4 T cells. Cytokine levels were measured in culture supernatants; the phenotype of T cells and their capacity to inhibit the proliferation of third-party T-cell responders was determined at the end of the culture. RESULTS: NAL proved to be a potent inhibitor of DC maturation in whole blood experiments and on monocyte-derived DCs. Alloreactive T cells stimulated with DCs pretreated with LPS in the presence of NAL produced much less interferon-gamma but similar levels of interleukin-13 compared with DCs treated with LPS alone. Immature DCs induced Treg, which was not observed with mature DCs. DCs cultured with LPS in the presence of NAL were as efficient as immature DCs to generate alloreactive T cells with regulatory activity. CONCLUSIONS: NAL is a potent inhibitor of DC maturation, which might be useful to promote allograft acceptance by inducing the differentiation of allospecific Treg.     

Rapamycin impairs antigen uptake of human dendritic cells

BACKGROUND: Rapamycin is a recently introduced immunosuppressive agent. Its effect on lymphocytes has been extensively studied. Whether it can also modulate dendritic cell (DC) function is unknown. METHODS: The effect of rapamycin on differentiation, antigen uptake, and the immunostimulatory capacity of human DC was examined. DC were derived from monocytes upon culture with interleukin (IL)-4 and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor in the presence or absence of rapamycin (0.1-100 ng/mL). Surface phenotype and antigen uptake capacity of DC were assessed by flow cytometry. Immunostimulatory capacity was measured by mixed lymphocyte culture. RESULTS: Rapamycin reduced DC recovery and increased DC apoptosis. DC differentiated in the presence of rapamycin (rapa-DC) had increased expression of CD1a, CD1b, and CD1c and decreased expression of MHC I, MHC II, CD80, CD86, and CD40. Antigen uptake receptor expression (mannose receptor, CD32, CD91, CD46) was decreased, and receptor-mediated endocytosis of fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran was markedly impaired in rapa-DC, as were fluid phase endocytosis of Lucipher Yellow and phagocytic activity of bacteria and dead or apoptotic cells. CD40 ligand-induced production of both IL-12 and IL-10 was reduced in rapa-DC, and allogeneic T lymphocyte responses were moderately impaired when rapa-DC were used as stimulator cells. Neither cyclosporine nor FK506 affected DC function. However, the effects of rapamycin on DC could be completely inhibited by a 10-fold excess of FK506 but not by up to 100-fold excess of cyclosporine. CONCLUSION: Rapamycin has a unique and profound inhibitory effect on DC function, which seems to be at least in part mediated by the FKBP immunophilins.     

P-Glycoprotein Functions as a Differentiation Switch in Antigen Presenting Cell Maturation

P-glycoprotein (P-gp) expressed on human antigen presenting cells (APC) regulates alloantigen-dependent T-cell activation, but the associated mechanisms are not well understood. Here we demonstrate that P-gp functions in IL-12-dependent monocyte differentiation into dendritic cell (DC) lineages during APC maturation, thereby regulating the capacity of myeloid-derived APCs to elicit alloimmune Th1 responses. Human CD14+ monocytes cultured in vitro in the presence of IL-4/GM-CSF differentiated into CD14(-) CD1A+ APCs of the immature DC phenotype. In contrast, P-gp blockade during differentiation inhibited CD1a induction, down-regulated CD80 expression, enhanced CD86 expression and induced CD68 expression. APCs differentiated in the presence of P-gp blockade stimulated alloimmune T-cell proliferation significantly less than controls and this effect was associated with 97% inhibition of Th1 IFN-gamma production, but preserved Th2 IL-5 secretion. MAb-mediated blockade of the P-gp transport substrate IL-12 in the course of APC differentiation also inhibited IFN-gamma production, while addition of rIL-12 to P-gp-blocked APC differentiation cultures significantly reversed this effect, demonstrating that P-gp functions in APC differentiation in part via IL-12 regulation. Our findings define a novel role for P-gp as a differentiation switch in APC maturation and resultant alloimmune Th1 responses, thereby identifying P-gp as a potential novel therapeutic target in allotransplantation.     

腺病毒载体转染人未成熟树突状细胞对其成熟特性的影响

目的观察重组腺病毒载体AdEASY-增强型绿色荧光蛋白(EGFP)转染人未成熟树突状细胞(imDC)后,其表型特征及免疫学功能的变化,并探讨白细胞介素(IL)10对腺病毒转染诱导imDC成熟的抑制作用。方法贴壁法分离人脐带血来源的单核细胞,利用重组粒细胞巨噬细胞集落刺激因子(GM-CSF)和IL-4诱导分化imDC。对照组为常规培养的imDC,转染组用AdEASY-EGFP转染imDC,IL-10组用IL-10处理转染后细胞。流式细胞仪检测细胞表面成熟标志[CD86、CD83和人类白细胞DR抗原(HLA-DR)],混合淋巴细胞反应(MLR)检测其刺激同种异体未致敏T淋巴细胞的增殖能力。结果腺病毒转染imDC后,转染组细胞成熟表型表达率分别为CD86:46±10、CD83: 38±7、HLA-DR:82±10,均较对照组(10±7、8±3、68±8)显著上调,且刺激T淋巴细胞增殖的能力显著加强(SI>2．0)。IL-10组处理的imDC上述表型表达率分别为CD86:8±5、CD83:9±3、HLA-DR: 63±12,与对照组比较差异无统计学意义(P>0．05),其刺激T淋巴细胞增殖的能力也明显下降。结论腺病毒能有效转染imDC,但在转染后有促进其成熟的趋势;用IL-10能有效抑制该成熟状态。     

Preferential induction of Th1 responses by functionally mature hepatic (CD8alpha- and CD8alpha+) dendritic cells: association with conversion from liver transplant tolerance to acute rejection

BACKGROUND: Liver grafts are accepted across major histocompatibility barriers in mice without immunosuppressive therapy. Potentially tolerogenic immature donor dendritic cells (DC) may play a key role in this phenomenon, but recovery of purified DC from normal livers for functional analysis is inherently difficult. Administration of in vitro propagated immature donor DC to recipients of different types of allograft can prolong transplant survival. By contrast, marked increases in donor liver DC as the result of Flt3 ligand (FL) administration and the resulting augmentation of allostimulatory activity within host lymphoid tissue, is associated with acute graft rejection. Here, we compared the capacity of in vitro generated normal liver immature DC and FL-treated donor liver DC to induce alloimmune CD4+ T helper (Th) 1/Th2 and CD8+ T cytotoxic (Tc) 1/Tc2 responses, in vitro and in vivo. METHODS: B10 (H2b, IAb) immature liver DC were propagated from normal hepatic nonparenchymal cells in granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) for 6-8 days. Freshly isolated DC from livers of FL-treated mice (FL-liver DC) were cultured overnight (o/n) in GM-CSF, and both myeloid (CD11c+ CD8alpha-) and lymphoid DC (CD11c+ CD8alpha+) flow-sorted for functional analysis. Proliferative activity and production of interferon (IFN)-gamma, interleukin (IL)-4, and IL-10 by naive C3H (H2k, IEk) T cells in response to DC stimulation was assessed by [3H]thymidine incorporation, and by multicolor flow cytometric analysis, respectively, after 3-day mixed leukocyte reactions. To investigate their in vivo trafficking, B10 DC were injected subcutaneously into normal C3H mice. Sections of lymphoid tissue were immunostained for donor MHC class II+ (IAb+) cells, and for IFN-gamma, IL-4, and IL-10 production. Donor cells and clusters of specific cytokine-secreting cells were enumerated. RESULTS: Both in vitro propagated normal liver-derived DC, and freshly isolated bulk FL-liver DC showed an immature phenotype (MHC class II(lo), CD40-, CD80-, and CD86-) and were weak stimulators of naive allogeneic T cells. After o/n incubation in GM-CSF, both CD8alpha- and CD8alpha+ FL-liver DC exhibited marked up-regulation of surface MHC class II and costimulatory molecules, and acquired potent stimulatory activity for Th1 (mainly) and Th2 cells. Both in vitro propagated immature DC and o/n-cultured mature FL-liver DC homed in vivo to host lymphoid tissues, but with different kinetics. Whereas the mature allogeneic FL-liver DC induced IFN-gamma+ clusters in splenic T-cell areas within 2 days, the IFN-gamma response to immature DC was much slower and weaker. CONCLUSIONS: FL-treated donor livers that are rejected acutely contain markedly enhanced numbers of myeloid (CD8alpha-) and lymphoid (CD8alpha+) DC, many of which are capable of maturing rapidly into strong inducers of Th1 and Tcl responses. Substantial differences in quantity, and both the phenotypic and functional characteristics of the DC constituency of donor livers, may contribute significantly toward the distinct outcomes of liver transplant tolerance and rejection.     

Naive CD4+ cells from cord blood can generate competent Th effector cells

BACKGROUND: Umbilical cord blood (UCB) cells have been increasingly used as a source of hematopoietic stem cells for allogeneic transplantation. Previous reports suggest that the low risk of graft-versus-host disease in patients that received cord blood cells seems related to the distinctive nature of cord blood T cells. METHODS: To analyze the maturation of CD4+CD45RA+ cord blood cells, we performed an in vitro differentiation assay to compare the generation of Th effector cells strictly from UCB and adult peripheral blood (APB) CD4+CD45RA+ cells. RESULTS: During the maturation into effector cells, UCB and APB cells acquired a comparable activation level determined by the expression pattern of CD69, CD40L, OX40 and CD62L as well as PD1 and CTLA-4 molecules. Moreover, the expression of CD45RO isoform was induced in most activated effector cells from both UCB and APB. OKT3-restimulated effector cells generated from naive UCB expressed higher levels of CD25 coinciding with the secretion of higher amounts of IL-2. Effector cells from both origins consisted of heterogeneous populations with similar frequencies of Th1 and Th2 cytokine producing cells, secreting equivalent levels of IL-4, IL-5 and IFNgamma. Although, higher levels of IL-10 were detected in the cytokine mRNA profile and in the supernatants of OKT3-restimulated UCB effector cells, blocking endogenous IL-10 with anti-IL-10 mAbs enhanced significantly the proliferative response of UCB as well as APB effector cells (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These results indicated that Th effector cells generated from naive UCB cells were intrinsically as competent as naive APB to respond to TCR-mediated stimulation. In addition, UCB effector cells produced higher IL-10 but its inhibitory effect on proliferation may be partially compensated by the higher production of IL-2 and enhanced expression of CD25.     

黄芪多糖对分泌白细胞介素12树突细胞亚群的免疫调控效应与机制

目的 观察黄芪多糖(APS)对分泌IL-12树突细胞(DC)亚群CD11chighCD45RBlowDC功能的影响.方法磁珠分选技术获得BALB/c小鼠脾脏CD11chighCD45RBlowDC和CD4+T淋巴细胞.在CD11 chighCD45RBlowDC中加入不同浓度APS(50、100、200μg/mL)处理,以不加APS的细胞作为对照,应用ELISA法检测细胞培养上清液中IL-12水平,流式细胞仪检测细胞表面分子CD40、CD80、CD86、I-A/E及Toll样受体4(TLR4)的表达.将CD4+T淋巴细胞分为正常对照组(未行任何处理)、未刺激组(加入未经APS处理的CD11chighCD45RBlowDC与CD4+T淋巴细胞混合培养)、高浓度APS刺激组(加入经200μg/mL APS处理后的CD11chighCD45RBlowDC与CD4+T淋巴细胞混合培养)、高浓度APS刺激+抗体1组(加入经200μg/mL APS处理后的CD11chighCD45RBlowDC、IL-12抗体与CD4+T淋巴细胞混合培养)和高浓度APS刺激+抗体2组(加入经200 μg/mL APS处理后的CD11chighCD45RBlowDC、IL-12同型对照抗体与CD4+T淋巴细胞混合培养).采用噻唑蓝法测定CD4+T淋巴细胞增殖能力,流式细胞仪检测细胞培养液中IL-4和γ干扰素水平.对数据行多组间单因素方差分析.结果与未加APS刺激相比,3种浓度APS均显著增强CD11chighCD45RBlowDC表面分子CD40、CD80、I-A/E及TLR4表达及IL-12分泌,其中IL-12分泌呈APS浓度依赖性;CD86表达无明显变化.高浓度APS刺激组CD4+T淋巴细胞增殖能力高于未刺激组(F=13.438,P＜0.05);高浓度APS刺激组细胞γ干扰素水平为(2784±137)pg/mL,高于未刺激组[(1952±101)pg/mL,F=12.177,P＜0.05];高浓度APS刺激组细胞IL-4水平为(172±20)pg/mL,明显低于未刺激组[(193±19)pg/mL,F=11.963,P＜0.05].高浓度APS刺激+抗体1组前述3项指标表达水平较未刺激组明显改善,高浓度APS刺激+抗体2组前述3项指标表达水平与高浓度APS刺激组接近.结论 APS能够通过促进CD11chighCD45RBlowDC中IL-12的表达,诱导CD4+T淋巴细胞向Th1型反应分化,通过激活CD11chighCD45RBlowDC增强免疫活性.

Abstract：

Objective To investigate immunomodulatory effect of Astragalus polysaccharides (APS) on IL-12-secreting dendritic cell (DC) subset CD11chigh CD45RBlow DC. Methods Spleen CD11chighCD45RBlow DC and CD4 +T lymphocytes in BALB/c mice were purified by magnetic beads sorting,and were treated with 0 (as control), 50, 100, 200 μg/mL APS. Immunofluorescence staining and flow cytometry were used to determine expressions of CD11chighCD45RBlow DC surface molecules, including CD40,CD80, CD86, I-A/E, and Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4. IL-12 level in CD11chighCD45RBlow DC culture supernatant was determined by ELISA. The CD4+ T lymphocytes were divided into: normal control group,non-stimulation group ( CD4 + T lymphocytes cocultured with APS-unstimulated CD11 chigh CD45RBlow DC ) ,high-dose APS stimulation group (CD4+T lymphocytes cocultured with 200 μg/mL APS-stimulated CD11ch'ghCD45RBlow DC) , high-dose APS stimulation + antibody 1 group ( CD4 + T lymphocytes cocultured with 200 μg/mL APS-stimulated CD11chighCD45RBlow DC and IL-12 antibody), high-dose APS stimulation +antibody 2 group (CD4 +T lymphocytes cocultured with 200 μg/mL APS-stimulated CD11chigh CD45RBlow DC and IL-12 antibody isotype). Proliferation ability of CD4 + T lymphocytes was determined with MTT method.IL-4 level as well as IFN-γ level in CD4 + T lymphocyte culture supernatant was determined by flow cytometry. Data were processed with one-way analysis of variance. Results Compared with those in control, the expressions of CD 11 chigh CD45 RBlow DC surface molecules ( except for CD86 ) on CD 11 chigh CD45RBlow DC surface, as well as IL-12-secreting level with dose-dependence were increased in cells stimulated with 50,100, 200 μg/mL APS. Proliferation ability of CD4 +T lymphocytes in high-dose APS stimulation group was higher as compared with that in non-stimulation group ( F = 13. 438, P ＜0.05). IFN-γlevel in high-dose APS stimulation group [(2784 ± 137 ) pg/mL] was higher than that in non-stimulation group [(1952 ±101 ) pg/mL, F = 12. 177, P ＜0.05]. IL-4 level in high-dose APS stimulation group was (172 t 20) pg/mL,which was lower than that in non-stimulation group [( 193 ± 19) pg/mL, F = 11.963, P ＜0.05]. Proliferation ability of CD4+ T lymphocytes, IFN-γ level, and IL-4 level in high-dose APS stimulation + antibody 1 group were all ameliorated when compared with those in non-stimulation group; while levels of the 3 indexes in high-dose APS stimulation + antibody 2 group were similar to those in high-dose APS stimulation group.Conclusions APS can activate IL-12-producing CD11 chighCD45RBlowDC, and further induce the activation of immune function of T lymphocyte with shifting of Th2 to Th1 in vitro. APS can enhance the immune response via promoting the phenotypic and functional maturation of CD11 chighCD45RBlow DC.     

Generation of tolerogenic dendritic cells by treatment with mitomycin C: inhibition of allogeneic T-cell response is mediated by downregulation of ICAM-1, CD80, and CD86

BACKGROUND: Deliberately generated tolerogenic dendritic cells (DC) might be a useful tool for induction of donor-specific tolerance in transplantation. In this article, the authors study the effect of mitomycin C (MMC)-treated DC on rat T cells and delineate the mechanism of their conversion into tolerogenic cells. METHODS: The influence of MMC treatment on the capacity of DC to activate allogeneic T cells was tested in vitro, and the expression of cell surface molecules was studied by flow cytometry. RESULTS: MMC-treated DC lose their allostimulatory capacity, and this cannot be attributed to cell death or release of MMC. Interestingly, suppressed T cells cannot be restimulated, indicating that MMC-treated DC induce tolerance. MMC treatment selectively decreases adhesion (intercellular adhesion molecule [ICAM]-1) and co-stimulatory (CD80, CD86) molecules. Functional blocking of these molecules with specific antibodies confers to DC the same T-cell-suppressive properties as treatment with MMC. CONCLUSIONS: MMC treatment converts rat DC into tolerogenic cells. This mechanism is mediated by decrease of ICAM-1, CD80, and CD86.     

Phenotypic and functional differences between wild-type and CCR2-/- dendritic cells: implications for islet transplantation

BACKGROUND: Trafficking of dendritic cells (DC), the primary regulators of alloimmune responses, is controlled by chemokines. Here, we provide evidence that lack of CCR2 could lead to the generation of functionally and phenotypically different DC, which in part could explain the benefits observed in transplanting islets in CCR2 recipients. METHODS AND RESULTS: We show that, in contrast to the in vitro DC maturation model, in vivo DC maturation is accompanied by an increase in the expression of CCR2. Compared with wild-type (WT), DC generated in vitro from CCR2 mice, and DC extracted from CCR2 na?ve mice or from CCR2 recipients of islet allografts, display lesser allostimulatory capacity. Compared with WT DC, CCR2 DC produce more IL-4 and induce more IL-4-producing T cells. CCR2 DC also promote the generation of regulatory T cells that more efficiently suppress T cell proliferative responses by mixed leukocyte reaction. Similarly, the percentage of CD4CD25FoxP3 cells were found to be higher in CCR2 recipients of islet allografts than in WT recipients. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, lack of CCR2 interferes with the allostimulatory capacity of DC and promotes the generation of regulatory T cells. This is the first demonstration of a mechanistic link between targeting a specific chemokine pathway and the DC-regulatory T cell axis in alloimmunity.