Activation of immature monocyte-derived dendritic cells after transduction with high doses of lentiviral vectors

Dendritic cells (DCs) are an attractive tool for immunomodulation, targeting mature DCs (mDCs) for immunization or immature/semimature DCs (iDCs) for tolerization. Therefore, introducing antigens into DCs has become a prime topic in various immunological disciplines. Numerous studies have shown that lentiviruses are an efficient vehicle for this purpose. This study evaluates the effects of lentiviral transduction on iDC activation. Immature DCs are efficiently transduced with increasing doses of lentivirus without affecting cell viability. Transduction at low multiplicities of infection (MOIs) did not result in phenotypical or functional maturation. Higher doses of lentivirus, however, resulted in upregulation of adhesion, costimulatory, and HLA molecules, as well as in increased allostimulatory capacity and secretion of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha. Production of IL-12 p70, IL-10, and interferon-alpha was observed only at extremely high doses. Protein kinase R phosphorylation on transduction at an MOI of 150 was demonstrated by Western blotting. A Toll-like receptor (TLR)-driven luciferase reporter assay showed dose-dependent activation of TLR2, TLR3, and TLR8, which was independent of the pseudotype, production, or transduction protocol and was abrogated on heat inactivation. These data show that lentiviral vectors provide not only the antigen but also appropriate activation signals to iDCs, favoring their use for immunotherapy and vaccine development.     

Enhanced lentiviral transduction of monocyte-derived dendritic cells in the presence of conditioned medium from dying monocytes

Lentiviral vectors (LVs) are attractive vehicles for the transduction of human dendritic cells (DCs) in order to mobilize their endogenous antigen presentation pathways. We analyzed here how to improve the efficiency of LV transduction, which we performed at the initial stages of the differentiation of purified monocytes into dendritic cells (Mo-DCs). Using LVs pseudotyped with the vesicular stomatitis virus envelope G glycoprotein (VSV-G), we found that a conditioned medium derived from dying monocytes (MCM) improved by 2- to 10- fold the proportion of transduced Mo-DCs. This enhanced transduction efficiency requires the presence of MCM during the initial stage of LV transduction and does not affect the phenotype and antigen presentation function of terminally differentiated Mo-DCs. Importantly, we found that MCM derived from a human acute monocytic leukemia cell line, THP-1, was equally effective. The MCM activity was heat stable (56 degrees C) and was present in the soluble fraction after high-speed centrifugation. Altogether our results show that a soluble factor present in dying monocyte cultures can replace advantageously facilitating agents such as Polybrene, to achieve high LV transductions levels. This protocol can be performed with autologous monocytes and is therefore applicable in clinical settings.     

Making dendritic cells from the inside out: lentiviral vector-mediated gene delivery of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor and interleukin 4 into CD14+ monocytes generates dendritic cells in vitro

We have evaluated a one-hit lentiviral transduction approach to genetically modifying monocytes in order to promote autocrine and paracrine production of factors required for their differentiation into immature dendritic cells (DCs). High-titer third-generation self-inactivating lentiviral vectors expressing granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and interleukin 4 (IL-4) efficiently achieved simultaneous and persistent codelivery of the transgenes into purified human CD14+ monocytes. Coexpression of GM-CSF and IL-4 in CD14+ cells was sufficient to induce their differentiation into a DC-like phenotype, as evidenced by their morphology, immature immunophenotypic profile (CD14-, CD1a+, CD80+, CD86+, MHC-I+, MHC-II+), and their ability to further develop into a mature phenotype (CD83+) on further treatment with soluble CD40 ligand. Mixed lymphocyte reactions showed that the T cell-stimulating activity of lentivirus-modified DCs was superior to that of DCs grown by conventional methods. Lentivirus-modified DCs displayed efficient antigen-specific, MHC class I-restricted stimulation of autologous CD8+ T cells, as shown by IFN-gamma production and CTL assays. DCs coexpressing GM-CSF and IL-4 could be kept metabolically active and viable in culture for 14 days in the absence of exogenously added growth factors, unlike conventionally produced DCs. Coexpression of FLT3 ligand did not improve the viability, expansion, or immunologic performance of lentivirus-modified DCs. This article demonstrates the proof-of-concept to genetically convert monocytes to DC-type antigen-presenting cells with lentiviral vectors.     

Coxsackievirus-adenovirus receptor genetically fused to anti-human CD40 scFv enhances adenoviral transduction of dendritic cells

A promising approach to immunotherapy involves the loading of dendritic cells (DCs) with genetic material to facilitate sustained expression of a relevant antigen in this population of potent antigen presenting cells (APC). Viral vectors such as adenovirus (Ad) have been used for this purpose. Existing methods for DC infection are limited by lack of specificity and a requirement for DC exposure to high viral doses. Targeting of Ad to DCs with bispecific antibodies has significantly augmented levels of transgene expression. Genetic fusion of the extracellular portion of coxsackievirus-adenovirus receptor (CAR) to cell-specific ligands has also proved successful in targeting Ad to cells of interest. We report here the production and primary characterization of a new fusion protein comprising the ecto-domain of CAR connected to a single chain antibody (scFv) G28-5 against human CD40 present on the surface of DCs. We demonstrate that the fusion protein (CAR/G28) specifically interacts with both recombinant Ad fiber knob and the ecto-domain of human CD40 in a binding assay (ELISA). Finally, we show that the CAR/G28 fusion protein promotes highly efficient transduction of DCs of both rhesus monkey and human origin.     

Optimal conditions for lentiviral transduction of engrafting human CD34+ cells

Cytokines are required for γ-retroviral transduction of human CD34+ cells. However, cytokines may reduce engraftment of CD34+ cells and may not be necessary for their lentiviral transduction. We sought to optimize transduction and engraftment of human CD34+ cells using lentiviral vectors. Single 24?h transduction of human CD34+ cells with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV1)-based lentiviral vectors in media containing stem cell factor (SCF), FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) ligand, thrombopoietin (each 100?ng?ml?1) and 10% fetal bovine serum was compared with various cytokine conditions during ex vivo culture and assayed using humanized xenograft mice for 6 months after transplantation. Serum-free media improved transduction efficiency of human CD34+ cells. Interleukin-3 (20?ng?ml?1) had little effect on transduction efficiency or engraftment. Threefold higher cytokine mixture (each 300?ng?ml?1) reduced engraftment of CD34+ cells. SCF alone (100?ng?ml?1) proved insufficient for maintaining engraftment ability and reduced transduction efficiency. Short-term prestimulation had little effect on transduction efficiency or engraftment, yet 24?h prestimulation showed higher transduction efficiency, higher gene expression levels and lower engraftment. In summary, 24?h prestimulation followed by single 24-h lentiviral transduction in serum-free media with SCF, FLT3 ligand and thrombopoietin yields high transduction efficiency to engrafting human CD34+ cells, and is applicable in human clinical gene therapy trials.     

Large-scale immunomagnetic selection of CD14+ monocytes to generate dendritic cells for cancer immunotherapy: a phase I study

Dendritic cells (DC) are professional antigen-presenting cells that are widely used in the experimental immunotherapy of cancer. For clinical use GMP-like protocols for the preparation of functionally active dendritic cells (DC) in large numbers and at high purity are needed. However, the currently available protocols have certain disadvantages. In this study we tested the generation and clinical applicability of DC from monocyte preparations produced by immunomagnetic CD14(+) selection using a semiautomated clinical scale immunomagnetic column. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of 10 patients with metastatic solid tumors were used. With the immunomagnetic separation, we obtained a cell suspension of high CD14(+) purity (median 97.4%, range 94.9-99.0) with a high monocyte yield (median 82.3%, range 63.9-100.0). Differentiation of CD14(+) cells into mature monocyte-derived DC was induced by incubation with IL-4, GM-CSF, TNF-alpha, PGE(2), IL-1 beta, and IL-6. Mature DC showed a high expression of CD83, HLA-DR, and the co-stimulatory molecules CD80 and CD86. Overall CD83(+) yield was 12.1% (range 4.0-29.4). Allogeneic T stimulatory capacity could be demonstrated for all DC preparations in proliferation assays. No significant differences in marker expression or T cell stimulation was detected between fresh DC and those derived from cryopreserved immature DC. Clinical administration of autologous DC by three different parenteral routes was tolerated by all 10 patients without systemic signs of toxicity. Our results indicate that immunomagnetic isolation of CD14(+) monocytes using the CliniMACS device is a suitable method for clinical-scale generation of functional DC under GMP-grade conditions. The selection can be performed in a closed system. Therefore, immunomagnetic CD14(+) selection can be seen as an alternative way to generate DC for clinical tumor vaccination protocols.     

Pseudotyping lentiviral vectors with aura virus envelope glycoproteins for DC-SIGN-mediated transduction of dendritic cells

Lentiviral vectors (LVs) pseudotyped with envelope proteins of alphaviruses have recently attracted considerable interest for their potential as gene delivery tools. We report the production of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)-derived LVs pseudotyped with envelope glycoproteins derived from the Aura virus (AURA). We found that the AURA-glycoprotein-pseudotyped LVs use C-type lectins (DC-SIGN and L-SIGN) as attachment factors. These interactions with DC-SIGN are specific as determined by inhibition assays and appear to facilitate transduction through a pH-dependent pathway. AURA-pseudotyped LVs were used to transduce monocyte-derived dendritic cells (DCs) and the transduction was shown to be DC-SIGN mediated, as illustrated by competitive inhibition with DC-SIGN and L-SIGN antibodies and yeast mannan. Comparisons with LVs enveloped with glycoproteins derived from vesicular stomatitis virus and Sindbis virus suggest that AURA-glycoprotein-bearing LVs might be useful to genetically modify DCs for the study of DC biology and DC-based immunotherapy.     

Short-term liquid storage of CD14+ monocytes, CD11c+, and CD123+ precursor dendritic cells produced by leukocytapheresis

BACKGROUND: This prospective study compared white blood cell (WBC) storage in polyvinylchloride (PVC) bags and in polyolefin (POF) bags. After leukapheresis, CD14+ monocytes, CD11c+, and CD123+ precusor dendritic cells (DCs) were analyzed under platelet (PLT) storage conditions. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Twenty-five leukapheresis procedures were performed on blood cell separators (AS.TEC204 [PVC; Fresenius HemoCare GmbH] and the COBE Spectra [POF, Gambro BCT]). Blood cell counts, glucose, lactic acid, pO(2), pCO(2), and pH were measured in mononuclear cell (MNC) harvests on Days 0, 1, 3, and 5. WBCs were analyzed by flow cytometry. RESULTS: The WBC yields of the AS.TEC204 harvests were 25 percent higher (13.4 x 10(9) +/- 2.7 x 10(9) WBCs) compared to the COBE Spectra (9.9 x 10(9) +/- 2.5 x 10(9) WBCs). During 5-day storage, WBC counts (PVC bags) decreased significantly (24%). Storage in POF bags showed more consistent results (WBC loss, 6%). Loss of CD14+ monocytes and CD11c+ precursor DCs did not differ significantly in leukapheresis products. CD123+ precursor DCs stored in PVC bags dropped by more than 90 percent (POF bags, 24%). Lactic acid concentrations exceeded 20 mmol per L after 24 hours in PVC bags and after 72 hours in POF bags. The mean pH value on Day 5 was 6.2 (PVC) and 6.3 (POF). On Day 1, the product glucose concentration decreased by 76 percent after storage in PVC bags and by 16 percent in POF bags. CONCLUSIONS: Storage of MNCs within 72 hours in the original harvest container assures stable WBC content and is easy to perform. POF bags should be preferred in the case of extended WBC storage. Patient studies should clarify changes in efficiency of hematopoietic reconstitution that might occur over time during MNC storage.     

Potent maturation of monocyte-derived dendritic cells after CD40L lentiviral gene delivery

Dendritic cells (DCs) are being evaluated in immunization protocols to enhance immunity against infectious diseases and cancer. Interaction of T-helper cells expressing CD40 ligand (CD40L) with its cognate CD40 receptor on DCs leads to a mature DC phenotype, characterized by increased capacity of antigen presentation to cytotoxic T cells. The authors examined the ability of third-generation self-inactivating lentiviral vectors expressing CD40L to induce autonomous maturation of ex vivo expanded human monocyte-derived dendritic cells. Transduction with lentiviral vectors achieved a highly efficient gene transfer of CD40L to DCs, which correlated with phenotypic maturation as shown by the expression of immunologic relevant markers (CD83, CD80, MHCI) and secretion of IL-12, whereas DC phenotype was not affected by a control vector expressing only the green fluorescent protein marker. Addition of recombinant IFN-gamma to DCs at the time of CD40L transduction further enhanced IL-12 production, and when co-cultured with allogeneic and autologous CD8+ and CD4+ T cells, a potent activation was observed. Autologous responses against an HLA-A2-restricted influenza peptide (Flu-M1) and a tumor-associated antigenic peptide (gp100 210M) were significantly enhanced when CD40L transduced DCs were used as antigen-presenting cells for in vitro stimulation of CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes. These results demonstrate that endogenous expression of CD40L by lentivirally transduced DCs induced their autonomous maturation to a phenotype comparable to that induced by optimal concentrations of soluble CD40L, providing a novel tool for genetic manipulation of DCs.     

Stable transduction of primary human monocytes by simian lentiviral vector PBj.

Despite the ability to infect nonproliferating cells, current lentiviral vectors are inefficient at mediating gene transfer into quiescent primary human cells such as monocytes. Here, a replication-incompetent vector based on a molecular clone of simian immunodeficiency virus strain PBj (SIVsmmPBj1.9) was generated that, in contrast to lenti- and gamma-retroviral control vectors, enabled transfer of heterologous genes into human diploid fibroblasts and cell lines blocked in the G(0) phase of the cell cycle. Moreover, freshly isolated human monocytes refractory to HIV-1-derived vectors were efficiently transduced by the PBj vector independent of the viral Nef protein. Stable chromosomal integration of PBj-derived viral expression vectors was verified in transduced cells. The capability of the PBj vector to transduce quiescent cells such as unstimulated primary human monocytes is an important extension of human gene therapy perspectives.     

丁酸钠诱导人单核细胞源性未成熟树突状细胞的形态及免疫功能变化

背景：未成熟树突状细胞（dendriti ccells，DC）可以诱导免疫耐受形成，在器官移植领域具有广阔应用前景。目前采用的诱导未成熟树突状细胞的方法仍存在一些不足，寻求新的诱导方法十分必要。目的：观察丁酸钠对人外周血来源的树突状细胞的成熟状态和免疫学功能的影响。设计：观察对比，体外细胞学实验。单位：中山大学附属第二医院肝胆外科。材料：人外周血样品取自中山大学身体健康的大学生志愿捐献者（年龄20—23岁），共5份，每份100mL，均在献血后2h内进行外周血单个核细胞和淋巴细胞分离。方法：实验于2006—09／2007—03在中山大学附属第二医院医学研究中心完成。①人外周血单个核细胞采用粒细胞-巨噬细胞集落刺激因子和白细胞介素4诱导成为未成熟树突状细胞。②诱导6d后，加入组蛋白去乙酰化酶抑制剂丁酸钠1mmol／L诱导，以促成熟因子脂多糖1mg／L为对照；设不加促成熟因子为空白对照组。③在诱导0d时加入丁酸钠，6d时加入脂多糖再次刺激。主要观察指标：动态观察细胞形态学变化，流式细胞仪检测DC表型，FITC标记的Dextran检测DC内吞能力，采用酶联免疫吸附法检测白细胞介素12分泌，混合淋巴细胞反应检测DC刺激淋巴细胞增殖能力。结果：①DC形态：在丁酸钠作用下，DC聚集现象明显减少。②细胞表型检测结果：丁酸钠促成熟组常规方法诱导的未成熟DC的CD80，CD83，HLA-DR表达均低于脂多糖组，差异有显著性意义（P〈0．01）。采用丁酸钠法诱导的未成熟DC，在第6天时加入促成熟因子脂多糖后CD80，CD83，HKA-DR表达仍处于低水平。③DC内吞能力：常规方法诱导的未成熟DC，用LPS诱导成熟后，其内吞能力均低于空白对照组和丁酸钠促成熟组，差异有非常显著性意义（P〈0．01）；而采用丁酸钠法诱导的DC，其内吞能力最强，高于其他各组，差异有非常显著性意义（P〈0．01）。④DC分泌白细胞介素12：常规诱导法用LPS诱导DC成熟后的白细胞介素12分泌水平高于对照组、丁酸钠促成熟组及丁酸钠诱导法，差异有非常显著性意义（P〈0．01）。⑤DC诱导的MLR：常规诱导法用LPS诱导的成熟DC刺激淋巴细胞的增殖能力显著高于对照组、丁酸钠促成熟组及丁酸钠诱导法，差异有非常显著性意义（P〈0．01）。结论：丁酸钠可以抑制DC成熟，稳定诱导未成熟DC生成，该DC不能被促成熟因子激活，在诱导移植免疫耐受方面具有潜在应用前景。     

趋化因子受体7基因绿色荧光慢病毒载体构建及在未成熟树突状细胞中的表达

背景：趋化因子受体7（chemokine receptor-7,CCR7）是树突状细胞从外周迁移至淋巴系统发挥作用的最重要的启动和调节者,但未成熟树突状细胞表面不表达CCR7,因此利用携带CCR7基因的未成熟树突状细胞可以更好地诱导免疫耐受。目的：构建携带小鼠CCR7基因的绿色荧光蛋白重组慢病毒载体,观察其在未成熟树突状细胞中的表达。方法：采用RT-PCR扩增小鼠CCR7基因并克隆至pCR-Blunt载体。将CCR7DNA片段及IRES-GFP连入慢病毒转移质粒LV-Lac,生成重组慢病毒质粒LV-CCR7。采用脂质体转染法将慢病毒系统3质粒（重组慢病毒质粒LV-CCR7、包装质粒ΔNRF及包膜质粒pVSVG）共转染包装慢病毒,重组慢病毒感染未成熟树突状细胞,光学显微镜观察细胞状态,流式细胞术鉴定CCR7蛋白的表达。结果与结论：实验成功扩增出小鼠CCR7DNA片段并克隆至pCR-Blunt载体,亚克隆构建慢病毒表达载体LV-CCR7,经3质粒包装系统感染293FT细胞后,24h于荧光显微镜下均观察到绿色荧光蛋白阳性表达,病毒滴度为108U/L以上,获得携带CCR7基因的重组慢病毒。慢病毒颗粒可有效感染未成熟树突状细胞,荧光显微镜可见大量GFP蛋白表达,阳性细胞达50%,流式细胞术检测到CCR7蛋白表达,LV-CCR7基因修饰的未成熟树突状细胞仍保持在未成熟状态。结果证实,实验成功构建携带小鼠CCR7基因绿色荧光慢病毒载体LV-CCR7,并可在未成熟树突状细胞细胞中表达。     

趋化因子受体7基因绿色荧光慢病毒载体构建及在未成熟树突状细胞中的表达

背景:趋化因子受体7(chemokine receptor-7,CCR7)是树突状细胞从外周迁移至淋巴系统发挥作用的最重要的启动和调节者,但未成熟树突状细胞表面不表达CCR7,因此利用携带CCR7基因的未成熟树突状细胞可以更好地诱导免疫耐受。目的:构建携带小鼠CCR7基因的绿色荧光蛋白重组慢病毒载体,观察其在未成熟树突状细胞中的表达。方法:采用RT-PCR扩增小鼠CCR7基因并克隆至pCR-Blunt载体。将CCR7DNA片段及IRES-GFP连入慢病毒转移质粒LV-Lac,生成重组慢病毒质粒LV-CCR7。采用脂质体转染法将慢病毒系统3质粒(重组慢病毒质粒LV-CCR7、包装质粒ΔNRF及包膜质粒pVSVG)共转染包装慢病毒,重组慢病毒感染未成熟树突状细胞,光学显微镜观察细胞状态,流式细胞术鉴定CCR7蛋白的表达。结果与结论:实验成功扩增出小鼠CCR7DNA片段并克隆至pCR-Blunt载体,亚克隆构建慢病毒表达载体LV-CCR7,经3质粒包装系统感染293FT细胞后,24h于荧光显微镜下均观察到绿色荧光蛋白阳性表达,病毒滴度为108U/L以上,获得携带CCR7基因的重组慢病毒。慢病毒颗粒可有效感染未成熟树突状细胞,荧光显微镜可见大量GFP蛋白表达,阳性细胞达50%,流式细胞术检测到CCR7蛋白表达,LV-CCR7基因修饰的未成熟树突状细胞仍保持在未成熟状态。结果证实,实验成功构建携带小鼠CCR7基因绿色荧光慢病毒载体LV-CCR7,并可在未成熟树突状细胞细胞中表达。     

未成熟树突状细胞表面CD1d分子在体外移植免疫中的作用

背景:树突状细胞具有双向免疫调节作用,成熟树突状细胞激活免疫应答,而未成熟树突状细胞则倾向诱导免疫耐受。目的:探讨鼠CD1d分子在未成熟树突状细胞诱导移植免疫耐受中的作用,以及在此过程中细胞因子的参与机制。方法:利用vIL-10转染的BALB/c小鼠未成熟树突状细胞在体外用粒细胞-巨噬细胞集落刺激因子基因、脂多糖刺激成熟,经抗CD1d(anti-CD1d)干预。观察培养后的细胞表型、细胞因子表达。为探明CD1d分子在异体T细胞存在下的免疫作用,进行不同实验条件的初次、再次混合淋巴细胞培养(1stMLC、2ndMLC),观察T细胞增殖、细胞因子表达。结果与结论:Anti-CD1d的干预降低了未成熟树突状细胞增殖异体T细胞的能力,anti-CD1d干预的未成熟树突状细胞致敏异体T细胞后其免疫功能低下;anti-CD1d干预在异体T细胞存在时影响未成熟树突状细胞在功能上的成熟,主要表现在抑制白细胞介素12的分泌,加强白细胞介素10的分泌。     

未成熟树突状细胞表面CD1d分子在体外移植免疫中的作用

背景：树突状细胞具有双向免疫调节作用,成熟树突状细胞激活免疫应答,而未成熟树突状细胞则倾向诱导免疫耐受。目的：探讨鼠CD1d分子在未成熟树突状细胞诱导移植免疫耐受中的作用,以及在此过程中细胞因子的参与机制。方法：利用vIL-10转染的BALB/c小鼠未成熟树突状细胞在体外用粒细胞-巨噬细胞集落刺激因子基因、脂多糖刺激成熟,经抗CD1d（anti-CD1d）干预。观察培养后的细胞表型、细胞因子表达。为探明CD1d分子在异体T细胞存在下的免疫作用,进行不同实验条件的初次、再次混合淋巴细胞培养（1stMLC、2ndMLC）,观察T细胞增殖、细胞因子表达。结果与结论：Anti-CD1d的干预降低了未成熟树突状细胞增殖异体T细胞的能力,anti-CD1d干预的未成熟树突状细胞致敏异体T细胞后其免疫功能低下;anti-CD1d干预在异体T细胞存在时影响未成熟树突状细胞在功能上的成熟,主要表现在抑制白细胞介素12的分泌,加强白细胞介素10的分泌。     

Freeze-thawing procedures have no influence on the phenotypic and functional development of dendritic cells generated from peripheral blood CD14+ monocytes

Little is known about the potential influence of cryopreservation on the biologic activities of dendritic cells (DCs). In this study, we examined the effects of freeze-thawing on the phenotypic and functional development of human DCs obtained from granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF)-mobilized peripheral blood CD14+ cells. CD14+ cells were cultured, immediately or after freeze-thawing, with granulocyte-macrophage CSF and interleukin-4 for 9 days, and then with added tumor necrosis factor-alpha for another 3 days. For both fresh and freeze-thawed monocytes, immature DCs harvested on day 6 and mature DCs harvested on day 9 of culture were examined under the same conditions. Cells were compared with regard to their 1) capacities for antigen endocytosis and chemotactic migration (immature DCs), and 2) allogeneic mixed lymphocyte reaction and antigen-specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte responses (mature DCs). Freeze-thawing did not affect the viability or subsequent maturation of DCs at any stage of development. Furthermore, essentially no difference was observed in phenotype or function between cells generated from fresh or cryopreserved/thawed cells. Although this study design was limited with the use of fetal bovine serum, the observation still suggests that freeze-thawing does not affect viability, phenotype, subsequent maturation, or functions of DCs at any stage of maturation.     

Stimulation of alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor inhibits CD14 and the toll-like receptor 4 expression in human monocytes

The lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-receptor complex, CD14/toll-like receptor 4, is known to play a role in the immune responses during sepsis. Excessive inflammation and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha synthesis have been reported to cause morbidity and mortality in endotoxemia and sepsis. Cell-to-cell interaction through the engagement between intercellular adhesion molecule 1, B7.1, and CD40 on monocytes and their ligands on T cells has been suggested to play a role in the inflammatory response such as TNF-alpha and interleukin 10 production. Nicotine, with the stimulation of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor alpha7 subunit (alpha7-nAChR), has now become the focus of attention because of its anti-inflammatory effects. However, little is known about the mechanism of the inhibitory effects induced by nicotine on the LPS-induced immune responses. In the present study, we found that nicotine suppressed the expression of CD14, toll-like receptor 4, intercellular adhesion molecule 1, B7.1, and CD40 on monocytes and the production of TNF-alpha, but not interleukin 10, in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells in the presence of LPS. The actions of nicotine were reversed by a nonselective and a selective alpha7-nAChR antagonist, mecamylamine and alpha-bungarotoxin, respectively. Therefore, nicotine might inhibit the LPS receptor complex expression via alpha7-nAChR, thus leading to a decrease in the adhesion molecule expression and TNF-alpha production. Moreover, we demonstrated that a nuclear factor-kappaB and a p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibitor mimicked the actions of nicotine in the presence of LPS. These results suggested that the nuclear factor-kappaB and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase might be involved in the actions of nicotine.     

Optimizing preparation of normal dendritic cells and bcr-abl+ mature dendritic cells derived from immunomagnetically purified CD14+ cells

The goal of this work was to optimize dendritic cell (DC) preparations obtained from patients suffering from chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and compare them with DC prepared from normal CD14+ mononuclear cells (MNC). We studied normal DC and bcr-abl+ leukemic DC (CML-DC) yields, expression of membrane molecules, differentiation status, and ability to stimulate T cells. We isolated DC precursors from PBMC by CD14-specific immunoadsorption and cultured them for 7 days in GM-CSF and IL-4, followed by a 3-day incubation to fully differentiate the cells. We evaluated cultures of CML-DC using RPMI 1640 medium supplemented with FBS and X-VIVO 15 medium containing human AB serum. In contrast to cells matured in RPMI 1640, virtually all cells incubated in X-VIVO 15 expressed CD83, a marker of mature DC. CML-DC and normal DC were indistinguishable in expression of CD83, resulting in the highest percentage reported so far. The yields of normal DC and CML-DC from CD14+ cells were indistinguishable. The percentage of bcr-abl+ cells in PBMC varied among patients between 65% and 97% and the final CML-DC preparations were >98% bcr-abl+ the highest purity of bcr-abl+ cells to date. Normal DC and CML-DC were equally effective in stimulating proliferation of allogeneic and autologous T cells. These techniques provide highly enriched, mature, functional CML-DC.     

U0126对imDC诱导初始性CD4+T细胞的体外研究

目的:研究ERK1/2信号通路在imDC诱导同种异体CD4+T细胞分化为Treg细胞中的作用,探讨免疫耐受状态建立的可能分子机制.方法:密度梯度离心法从血液标本中分离PBMC,加入GM-CSF和IL-4联合诱导、扩增至第7天,使其转化为imDC,从细胞形态学、细胞表面标记物以及细胞功能三方面进行鉴定;免疫磁珠分选法从单个核细胞中分离初始性CD4+T细胞,将其混合培养,同时设空白组、混合对照组、低浓度UO126组、中浓度U0126组和高浓度U0126组,分别以FCM检测初始性CD4+T细胞转化为Treg 细胞的转化率.结果:空白组:3.25%±0.89%,混合对照组:21.80%±0.40%,低浓度U叭26组:22.58%±0.52%,中浓度U0126组40.81%±0.81%,高浓度U0126组:41.58%±0.81%.结论:人外周血来源的im[DC可以诱导初始性CD4+T细胞转化成Treg细胞:ERK1/2信号传导通路特异性阻断剂U0126可以部分促进初始性CD4+T细胞向Treg细胞转化,表明该阻断剂在免疫耐受的诱导中起了一定的作用.