罗勒多糖对人树突细胞抗原摄取功能及共刺激分子表达的影响

目的探讨罗勒多糖对人外周血单核细胞来源的树突细胞（dendritic cells，DC）抗原摄取功能以及共刺激分子表达的影响。方法从正常人外周血单核细胞诱导未成熟和成熟的DC，实验组加入罗勒多糖（150μg/ml），对照组加入PBS，分别培养24h，收获未成熟的DC，与OVA—FTTC（100μg/ml）共同孵育，流式细胞仪检测DC的抗原摄取能力。同时收获成熟DC，流式细胞仪检测DC表面共刺激分子CD80、CD86的表达情况。结果与对照组比较，罗勒多糖作用组DC的抗原摄取能力显著提高，同时成熟DC表面共刺激分子CD80、CD86的表达也明显升高。结论罗勒多糖可显著增强DC的抗原摄取能力，并且能够提高细胞表面共刺激分子的表达，这可能是罗勒多糖发挥抗肿瘤免疫的机制之一。     

EB病毒对新生儿脐带血单核细胞来源的树突状细胞表型的影响

从脐带血单核细胞来源树突状细胞(DC)表型变化的角度来探讨EB病毒对DC表型的影响,以阐明其逃逸宿主免疫的机制。将GM-CSF和IL-4、EB病毒和LPS不同组合对单核细胞来源DC进行刺激培养,利用单染色和三染色免疫荧光抗体标记—流式细胞术检测单核细胞来源DC表面CD14、CD11c、CD1a、HLA-DR、CD86、MR和MHCⅠ类分子。加入EB病毒后,DC表面CD14分子表达的下调不明显,CD1a的表达则随病毒加入时细胞的分化阶段有关;同时EB病毒还影响了加入LPS后HLA-DR和CD86的升高和MR的降低;EB病毒还影响了细胞表面MHCⅠ类分子的表达。因此EB病毒可抑制单核细胞来源DC的分化和成熟,这可能是其逃逸宿主免疫的机制之一。     

钙离子载体对外周血单核细胞来源的树突状细胞的影响

目的：探讨钙离子载体（calcium ionophore,CI)对外周血单核细胞来源的树突状细胞（DC）的影响。方法：分离分离献血者外周血单核细胞。分别加入重组人粒/单集落刺激因子（rhGM-CSF)100μg/L，rhGM-CSF100μg/L CI10μg/L及rhGM-CSF CI各100μg/L，体外培养40h后，于光镜及电镜下观察细胞的形态，流式细胞仪检测细胞的表面标志，MTT比色法检测上述分子对自体T细胞的刺激增殖作用。结果：外周血单核细胞在GM-CSF CI各100μg/L的条件下培养40h，就可看到典型的DC形态，其表面CD14分子表达减少。HLA-DR，CD40，CD83及CD86分子的表达明显增高，且具有明显刺激自体T细胞增殖的能力。结论：CI有显著加速GM-CSF诱导的外周血单核细胞向DC转化的作用。     

IFN-γ促进人单核细胞向不典型成熟DC分化

目的: 研究IFN-γ对人单核细胞表型及分化的影响.方法: 采用免疫磁珠法从健康志愿者外周血单个核细胞(PBMCs)中特异性分选单核细胞, 以细胞因子IFN-γ、 TNF-α、 IFN-α刺激单核细胞后, 观察单核细胞生长特性, 并以流式细胞术检测单核细胞表面CD1a、 CD14、 CD80、 CD83、 CD86、 HLA-DR等分子表达.结果: 细胞因子IFN-γ、 TNF-α、 IFN-α对单核细胞形态、生长及表型转化有不同影响.IFN-γ促进单核细胞黏附聚集形成"细胞小岛结构", 刺激单核细胞形态向梭形及多角形转化; IFN-γ上调单核细胞表达CD80、 CD83、 CD86及HLA-DR分子, 同时下调CD14分子表达.结论: IFN-γ促进单核细胞向不典型的成熟DC方向分化.     

肺炎支原体荚膜多糖抑制树突状细胞吞噬和膜分子表达

目的:了解肺炎支原体(Mp)荚膜多糖(CPS)通过结合树突状细胞特异性细胞间黏附分子-3-结合非整合素分子(DC-SIGN)对树突状细胞吞噬功能及细胞表面膜分子表达的影响。方法:复苏培养Mp 菌株,抽提和纯化CPS。培养人外周血单个核细胞来源的DC,吉姆萨染色观察和流式细胞术(FCM)鉴定;用CPS 刺激DC,FCM 检测DC 对FITC-多聚糖的吞噬指数、DC 表面特异标志CD83、HLA-DR 抗原以及协同刺激分子CD80 和CD86 的表达。结果:培养7 d 的DC 有典型的树突状结构,并高表达CD11c 分子。经CPS 刺激后,DC 内FITC-多聚糖的平均荧光强度较对照PBS 处理组显著增加(P<0.05),DC 表面膜分子CD83、HLA-DR、CD80 和CD86 较对照组显著减少(P<0.05)。用CPS 刺激被DC-SING 受体封闭的DC,发现DC 内FITC-多聚糖吞噬指数和四种膜表面分子的表达与对照组差异均无显著性(P>0.05)。结论:Mp CPS 可促进DC 的吞噬功能和减少细胞膜分子CD83、HLA-DR、CD80 和CD86 的表达。     

Bryostatin-1调节TNF-α激活的树突状细胞免疫功能

目的探讨Bryostatin-1对树突状细胞(DC)免疫功能的调节作用。方法联合应用GM-CSF和IL-4自人外周血单核细胞定向分化DC;以Bryostatin-1刺激TNF-α诱导成熟的DC,收集DC及其上清夜,以FACS和ELISA方法分析DC表面免疫分子(CD80、CD83、CD86、HLA-DR和B7-H1)和细胞因子(IFN-γ、IL-1β、IL-10和IL-12)表达水平;自DC提取RNA,以Northern blot分析DC的B7-h1 mRNA表达水平;以DC为诱导细胞,进一步检测DC的免疫诱导功能。结果Bryostatin-1通过降低DC表面B7-H1表达和增强B7.2表达,以及调节DC细胞因子(IL-1b、IL-12和IFN-γ)分泌,增强DC的免疫诱导功能,PKC通道特异性的抑制剂BI明显逆转Bryostatin-1的上述作用。结论Bryostatin-1增强DC免疫功能,其机制可能是激活PKC通道。     

转染HPV16E6基因人树突状细胞疫苗的制备及生物学特性

目的：制备来源于人外周血并转染HPV16E6基因的树突状细胞（DC）疫苗，检测其细胞形态、分子表型及诱导的免疫效应。方法：细胞因子扩增人外周血DC，Lipofectamine转染HPV16E6制备DC疫苗。动态形态学观察，免疫细胞化学及流式细胞术检测分子表达．体外诱导并测定CTL活性。结果：转染DC呈形态迥异的多突起状，其E6蛋白、CD80、CD86和CD83分子的表达率依次为47．3％、82．5％、79．8％和85．7％，诱导杀伤Caski细胞的活性明显高于对照组（P〈0．01）。结论：转染DC疫苗保持了功能成熟DC的形态特征，且内源性表达E6蛋白，能诱导高效的特异性抗肿瘤免疫应答。     

脐血CD123+髓系树突状细胞的生物学特性研究

探讨人脐血单核细胞在髓系树突状细胞（DC）体外诱导体系中获得的CD123^＋髓系DC的生物学特性。分离脐血单核细胞，用人重组的粒／单核细胞集落刺激因子（GMCSF）和IL-4将其诱导为IX2。用流式细胞仪检测DC表面共刺激分子、CD123和CDllc的表达，并用间接免疫磁珠法将其中CD123^＋ DC加以分离纯化；激光共聚焦显微镜、扫描电镜和倒置显微镜观察CD123^＋ DC形态；^3H-TdR渗入法检测CD123^＋ DC对同种异体T细胞的刺激能力。脐血单核细胞经GM-CSF和IL4诱导7d后，细胞表面高度表达HLA-DR、CD86、CDllc和CD123，低表达CD83，丧失CD14的表达，其中CD123和CDllc均匀分布于DC表面。免疫磁珠纯化后的CD123^＋ DC呈现不成熟DC形态，除细胞体积较小外，其表面突起类似于CD123DC。CD123^＋ DC能明显刺激同种异体T细胞增殖，但其刺激能力较CD123 DC组低（P〈0．05）。GM-CSF和IL-4培养体系中的CD123^＋DC可能是DC分化发育过程中更早期的未成熟髓系DC，具有独特的生物学特性。     

SOCS1沉默增强树突状细胞抗喉癌免疫效应

目的研究SOCS1沉默的树突状细胞特异性抗肿瘤作用机制,并探讨RNAi技术在喉癌基因治疗中的应用前景,为树突状细胞的临床应用提供新思路和理论依据。方法以细胞因子GM-CSF、IL-4和TNF-α体外诱导扩增外周血单核细胞来源的DC,倒置显微镜下观察DC形态特征;构建RNAi载体转染DC,Western blot检测SOCS1的表达情况,筛选抑制SOCS1表达的有效靶序列;流式细胞术检测DC表面分子CD83、CD86和HLA-DR的表达;ELISA法分析上清中IFN-γ的含量;MTT法评估DC刺激T细胞增殖的能力及诱导细胞毒性T细胞的杀伤活性。结果 DC体外诱导培养成功;设计的RNAi载体经测序验证无误。干扰序列5可显著下调SOCS1表达水平;SOCS1沉默联合喉癌Hep-2抗原致敏的DC可显著上调表面分子标志CD83(85.61±0.96)%、CD86(96.86±1.20)%和HLA-DR(98.02±0.94)%的表达;该组DC能有效刺激T细胞增殖,增加IFN-γ的分泌量,最终增强CTL的特异性杀伤作用,效靶比为50:1时其杀伤活性显著高于对照组(P<0.01)。结论 SOCS1沉默并负载喉癌Hep-2抗原的DC可以产生高效而特异性的抗喉癌免疫应答。     

脐血CD123+髓系树突状细胞的生物学特性研究

探讨人脐血单核细胞在髓系树突状细胞(DC)体外诱导体系中获得的CD123 髓系DC的生物学特性。分离脐血单核细胞,用人重组的粒/单核细胞集落刺激因子(GM-CSF)和IL-4将其诱导为DC。用流式细胞仪检测DC表面共刺激分子、CD123和CD11c的表达,并用间接免疫磁珠法将其中CD123 DC加以分离纯化;激光共聚焦显微镜、扫描电镜和倒置显微镜观察CD123 DC形态;3H-TdR渗入法检测CD123 DC对同种异体T细胞的刺激能力。脐血单核细胞经GM-CSF和IL-4诱导7 d后,细胞表面高度表达HLA-DR、CD86、CD11c和CD123,低表达CD83,丧失CD14的表达,其中CD123和CD11c均匀分布于DC表面。免疫磁珠纯化后的CD123 DC呈现不成熟DC形态,除细胞体积较小外,其表面突起类似于CD123?DC。CD123 DC能明显刺激同种异体T细胞增殖,但其刺激能力较CD123?DC组低(P<0.05)。GM-CSF和IL-4培养体系中的CD123 DC可能是DC分化发育过程中更早期的未成熟髓系DC,具有独特的生物学特性。     

Impaired maturation of monocyte-derived dendritic cells from birch allergic individuals in association with birch-specific immune responses

Optimal activation of T lymphocytes requires a costimulatory signal provided by the interaction of molecules on the surface of T cells with their ligands expressed on dendritic cells (DC). We investigated whether DC differentiated from monocytes from healthy and birch allergic asthmatic individuals and further maturated by stimulation with cat and birch allergens and LPS differ in their phenotypic receptor expression. Similar expression of DC surface markers, including HLA-DR, CD80, CD86, CD83, CD1a and CD11c, was detected in monocyte-derived DC from allergic and healthy individuals. Cells from healthy donors stimulated either antigen showed a similar activation of the CD80 and double CD80/CD86 costimulatory molecules when compared with non-stimulated cells. In the case of cells from allergic individuals, birch allergen was unable to produce the same increased expression of CD80 alone or in combination with CD80/CD86, in comparison with cells stimulated with cat and LPS. Levels of IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, MCP-1/MCAF and MIP-1beta were similar in the supernatant of non-stimulated DC from both groups of subjects. By contrast, the spontaneous secretion of IL-12p70 and TNF-alpha was higher in the supernatant of DC from healthy subjects when compared with that from allergic individuals. Stimulation with birch and LPS resulted in an increased secretion of IL-12p70 in samples from healthy when compared with that in allergic individuals. The results suggest an impaired specific maturation of DC from birch allergic individuals in association with birch-specific immune responses. Lower secretion of IL-12p70 from birch-stimulated DC from allergic individuals suggests that not only maturation, but also the specific Th1 function of these cells seems to be affected in those individuals.     

Poly Lactic-co-Glycolic Acid Nanoparticles Containing Human Gastric Tumor Lysates as Antigen Delivery Vehicles for Dendritic Cell-Based Antitumor Immunotherapy

ABSTRACT

Stimulating antitumor T cells using dendritic cells (DCs) is a novel and promising method in cancer therapy. Poly lactic-co-glycolic acid is one of the best-known polymers used for encapsulating antigen to protect them against proteolytic enzymes. In this study, poly lactic-co-glycolic acid nanoparticles (NPs) were used as DC antigen delivery vehicles in a preclinical model of immunotherapy of gastric cancer. The DCs were generated from peripheral blood monocytes by conventional in vitro differentiation and loaded with either soluble tumor lysate or lysate encapsulated in NPs using a double emulsion/solvent evaporation technique. Morphology of NPs was determined by scanning electron microscopy. Tumor lysate, either in the soluble form or encapsulated in NPs, was loaded into DC and stimulatory capacity was compared using patient-derived autologous CD3+ T cells as responders. The amount of relevant cytokines produced by Ag-loaded DC and in DC/T cell cocultures was evaluated as a measure of initial DC stimulation and T-cell responses, respectively. Significance increases in expression of DC surface molecules (i.e., CD80, CD83, CD86, and Human Leukocyte Antigen–DR (HLA-DR)) and cytokine production by both DC and DC/T cell cocultures (i.e., interleukin (IL)-12:IL-10 and interferon [IFN]-γ:IL-4 ratios) was observed following loading with lysate NP versus controls. The results suggest that NP-encapsulated antigen can shift antitumor T-cell responses toward a Th1 bias, which potentially increases DC vaccine potency in clinical settings.     

Soluble HLA-G molecules impair natural killer/dendritic cell crosstalk via inhibition of dendritic cells

HLA-G molecules are known to exert immunosuppressive action on DC maturation and on NK cells, and can in consequence inhibit respectively T cell responses and NK cytolysis. In this study, we show that monocyte-derived DC, differentiated in the presence of GM-CSF and IL-4, are sensitive to soluble (s) HLA-G molecules during LPS/IFN-gamma maturation as demonstrated by the decrease of CD80 and HLA-DR expressions and IL-12 secretion. Moreover, DC pretreated with sHLA-G were found to activate NK/DC crosstalk less than non-treated DC. Early activation of NK cells co-cultured with autologous DC was diminished as assessed by CD69 expression. The IFN-gamma production was impaired whereas a slight inhibition of the NK cell cytotoxicity against Daudi cell line was observed. Since sHLA-G is expressed in grafts or sites of tumour proliferation, its indirect action on NK cells via DC could constitute a pathway of early inhibition for both innate and specific immune responses.     

Generation of functional and mature dendritic cells from cord blood and bone marrow CD34+ cells by two-step culture combined with calcium ionophore treatment

The object of this study is to explore a culture method to generate a large number of functional and mature dendritic cells (DC) from human CD34+ hematopoietic progenitor cells. In the present study, we used a two-step method combined with calcium ionophore to induce DC from cord blood (CB) or normal human bone marrow (BM) CD34+ progenitor cells. The two-step method consists of 10 days of first step culture for the expansion and proliferation of CD34+ hematopoietic progenitor cells in the presence of SCF, IL-3, IL-6, G-CSF, and 7--11 days of second step culture for the induction of DC in the presence of GM-CSF, IL-4 and TNF-alpha. By the two-step culture, total nucleated cells were increased 208+/-66 (+/-SD, n=13), or 94+/-29 (n=5)-fold in the culture of CB or BM cells, respectively, compared with the number of CD34+ cells at the time of starting culture. Out of the total nucleated cells, 23 +/-10.4% of cells in CB cell culture and 25 +/-5% of cells in the BM cell culture acquired DC characteristic phenotypes, which were marked expressions of CD1a, HLA-DR, co-stimulatory molecules such as CD80, CD40, and adhesion molecule such as CD58. In allogeneic mixed leukocyte reaction (MLR), two-step cultured cells showed potent allo-stimulatory capacity. With this two-step culture, the absolute number of CD1a+ cells that co-expressed HLA-DR, CD80, CD40 and CD58 was enhanced approximately 3 times in CB cell culture and 1.9 times in BM cell culture, compared with the commonly used one-step culture method for the generation of DC from CD34+ cells using SCF, GM-CSF and TNF-alpha. However, on these DC generated in the two-step culture, the expressions of co-stimulatory molecule CD86 and mature DC marker CD83 were not sufficient. By the treatment of two-step cultured cells with calcium ionophore agent (A23187), the expression of co-stimulatory molecules such as CD86 and CD80 (especially CD86) was up-regulated. Besides, the expression of mature DC marker CD83 was remarkably induced by treatment with A23187 for a short duration (24 h). Consistent with the up-regulation of surface molecules CD86, CD80 and CD83, the two-step cultured cells treated with A23187 also showed a stronger allo-stimulatory capacity compared with the cells without A23187 treatment. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that the two-step culture method effectively improved the yield of CD1a+ DC generated from CD34+ cells, and the phenotypes and functions of these CD1a+ DC could be enhanced efficiently by treatment with a calcium ionophore agent.     

Inhibition of NF-kappa B during human dendritic cell differentiation generates anergy and regulatory T-cell activity for one but not two human leukocyte antigen DR mismatches

We examined the in vitro inhibition of human monocyte-derived dendritic cells (DC) maturation via NF-kappaB blockade on T-cell allostimulation, cytokine production, and regulatory T-cell generation. DC were generated from CD14+ monocytes isolated from peripheral blood using GM-CSF and IL-4 for differentiation and TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, and PGE2 as maturational stimuli with or without the NF-kappaB inhibitors, BAY 11-7082 (BAY-DC) or Aspirin (ASA-DC). Stimulator and responder cells were one versus two HLA-DR mismatched in direct versus indirect presentation assays. Both BAY-DC and ASA-DC expressed high levels of HLA-DR and CD86 but always expressed less CD40 compared with controls. Some experiments showed slightly lower levels of CD80. Both BAY- and ASA-allogeneic DC and autologous alloantigen pulsed DC were weaker stimulators of T cells (by MLR) compared with controls, and there was reduced IL-2 and IFN-gamma production by T cells stimulated with BAY-DC or ASA-DC (by ELISPOT) (more marked results were always observed with ASA-treated DC). In addition, NF-kappaB blockade of DC maturation caused the generation of T cells with regulatory function (T regs) but only when T cells were stimulated by either allogeneic (direct presentation) or alloantigen pulsed autologous DC (indirect presentation) with one HLA-DR mismatch and not with two HLA-DR mismatches (either direct or indirect presentation). However, the T regs generated from these ASA-DC showed similar FoxP3 mRNA expression to those from nontreated DC. Extension of this study to human organ transplantation suggests potential therapies using one DR-matched NF-kappaB blocked DC to help generate clinical tolerance.     

The interaction between NK cells and dendritic cells in bacterial infections results in rapid induction of NK cell activation and in the lysis of uninfected dendritic cells

NK and DC reciprocal interactions have only recently been investigated. In this study, we focused on the interplay between NK cells and DC in two models of bacterial infection. Immature monocyte-derived DC were cultured in the presence of live Escherichia coli or bacillus Calmette-Guérin. Upon exposure to either extracellular or intracellular bacteria, DC underwent maturation as assessed by the increased levels of expression of CD80,CD86, and HLA molecules and the de novo expression of CD83 and CCR7. Significant amounts of TNF-alpha and IL-12 were released by DC upon infection, whereas IL-2 and IL-15 were barely detectable in culture supernatants. Both infected and uninfected DC were capable of inducing in fresh autologous NK cells the expression of CD69 and HLA-DR and of inducing cell proliferation. Remarkably, however, infected DC were much stronger inducers of NK cell activation and proliferation than uninfected DC. Thus, after just 24 h of NK/DC coculture, only those NK cells that had been exposed to bacteria-infected DC had acquired the ability to lyse autologous immature DC. In addition, infected DC were more resistant to NK-mediated lysis as a consequence of the up-regulation of HLA class I molecule expression on their surface. This study suggests a regulatory circuit involving NK cells and DC in which DC-induced NK cell activation is effectively enhanced by the presence of pathogens. Activated NK cells, by limiting the supply of immature DC, may then exert a control on subsequent innate and adaptive immune responses.     

Glycoinositolphospholipids from Trypanosoma cruzi interfere with macrophages and dendritic cell responses

To investigate the possible effects of glycoinositolphospholipid (GIPL) from Trypanosoma cruzi on human antigen presenting cells, we tested their effects on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated human macrophages and dendritic cells (DC). Human macrophages or DC were incubated with GIPL (50 microg/ml) and LPS (500 pg/ml) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin 8 (IL-8), IL-10, and IL-12p40 levels in supernatants were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. TNF-alpha, IL-10, and IL-12 secretion were significantly decreased by GIPL both in macrophages and DC. In contrast, GIPL did not alter IL-8 production. We also analyzed the expression of CD80, CD86, HLA-DR, CD40, and CD57 on the macrophage surface after stimulation with LPS in the presence or absence of T. cruzi GIPL. GIPL led to a down-regulation in the expression of all tested molecules. We additionally examined the influence of T. cruzi GIPL on the response of human DC to LPS. LPS-induced HLA-DR, CD83, and CD86 up-regulation was significantly inhibited by GIPL. A slight down-regulation in CD80 and CD40 expression on DC surfaces in the presence of GIPL was also noticed. Similarly, GIPL led to down-modulation of CD83, CD80, CD86, and HLA-DR surface expression and TNF-alpha and IL-10 production when DC were stimulated by CD40L. The ceramide portion of GIPL was responsible for most of the activity exhibited by the whole molecule. Considering the important role of the immune response in determining the fate of the host-parasite relationship, the immunoregulatory activities of T. cruzi GIPL are potentially important for parasite evasion and then pathogenesis of infection with protozoan parasites.     

Comparative analysis of the morphological, cytochemical, immunophenotypical, and functional characteristics of normal human peripheral blood lineage(-)/CD16(+)/HLA-DR(+)/CD14(-/lo) cells, CD14(+) monocytes, and CD16(-) dendritic cells

Human peripheral blood (PB) CD14(lo)/HLA-DR(+) cells were initially described as a subset of mature monocytes. Recently, it has been suggested that these represent a part of a new subset of dendritic cells (DC), characterized by the coexpression of MDC-8/HLA-DR/CD16. The aim of the present paper was to analyze the morphological, cytochemical, phenotypical, and functional characteristics of PB CD16(+)/HLA-DR(+) cells compared to both PB CD14(+) monocytes and CD16(-) DC. In contrast to CD14(+) monocytes, purified CD16(+)/HLA-DR(+) cells displayed cytoplasmic veils and lacked cytoplasmic myeloperoxidase and alpha-naphthyl acetate esterase. Normal human PB CD16(+)/HLA-DR(+) cells also displayed phenotypic characteristics different from those of CD14(+) monocytes: they lacked the CD64 Fcgamma receptor, showed lower levels of CD32, and expressed higher amounts of CD16 compared to CD14(+) monocytes. They also displayed a different pattern of expression of other antigens, including CD14, HLA-DR, CD45RA, CD45RO, complement receptors and complement regulatory surface proteins, adhesion and costimulatory molecules, and cytokine receptors, among others. When compared to CD16(-) DC, CD16(+)/HLA-DR(+) cells showed reactivity for CD16, dim positivity for CD14, higher expression of both Ig- and complement-receptors and lower reactivity for HLA-DR, adhesion, and costimulatory molecules (with the exception of CD86). The CD16(+)/HLA-DR(+) cell subset displayed a higher Ig/complement-mediated phagocytic/oxidative activity than CD16(-) DC, although this activity was significantly lower than that of mature monocytes. Regarding cytokine production at the single cell level, LPS plus IFN-gamma-stimulated PB CD16(+)/HLA-DR(+) cells produced significant amounts of IL1beta, IL6, IL12, TNFalpha, and IL8; however, the percentage of cytokine-producing cells and the amount of cytokine/cell were lower in CD16(+)/HLA-DR(+) cells than in CD14(+) monocytes. In addition, upon comparing CD16(+)/HLA-DR(+) cells with CD33(+++)/CD16(-) DC, we found that the percentage of cytokine-producing cells and the amount of cytokine/cell were significantly different in both cell subsets. In summary, our results show that CD16(+)/HLA-DR(+) cells clearly display different morphologic, cytochemical, immunophenotypical, and functional characteristics compared to both mature monocytes and CD16(-) DC. Interestingly, these cells are more frequent than other DC in normal human adult PB and cord blood samples, while they are less represented in normal bone marrow.