Gender-dependent differential antigen uptake by CD11bloF4/80lo macrophages from experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis resistant male and susceptible female SJL mice (137.2)

Abstract

Abstract Macrophages (MΦ) preferentially regulate induction of antigen-specific Th1 and Th2 immune responses to protein antigens in female and male SJL mice, respectively. Alexa Flour 488 conjugated ovalbumin (OVA) and self-quenched DQ-OVA that fluoresces following lysosomal degradation, were used to determine gender-dependent differences in antigen uptake and processing in peritoneal MΦ. Antigen uptake and processing are higher in CD11bhiF4/80hi compared to the CD11bloF4/80lo MΦ of both genders. CD11bhiF4/80hi MΦ in both genders exhibit similar levels of antigen uptake, processing and MHC class II expression. By contrast, CD11bloF4/80lo MΦ from males show increased antigen uptake and decreased MHC Class II expression compared to female CD11bloF4/80lo MΦ. Despite differences in antigen uptake and MHC class II expression, CD11bloF4/80lo MΦ from both genders show similar kinetics of antigen processing. CD11bloF4/80lo MΦ from both genders presented antigen to CD4+ T cells; however, increased IL-10 was induced during T cell activation by male CD11bloF4/80lo MΦ compared to female CD11bloF4/80lo MΦ. These data demonstrate increased antigen uptake, diminished Class II expression and preferential IL-10 secretion by CD11bloF4/80lo MΦ derived from Th2 responsive EAE resistant male SJL mice. This work was supported by National Institute of Health grant NS53824.