CD34-derived Dendritic Cells Research Articles

A guide to nanosafety testing: Considerations on cytotoxicity testing in different cell models

Safety testing of nanoparticles (NPs) relies on robust, predictive, and reproducible methods. Integrated test strategies usually start with the assessment of in vitro cytotoxicity. Methods for this purpose are only partially established for NPs. The aim of this study was to evaluate three cytotoxicity assays for their applicability to NPs in several human cell models representing the most important NP target organs and to compare cell responses.The assays covered different biological principles, i.e. ATP content, redox metabolism, and membrane permeability, as well as different read-out principles, i.e. luminescence, colorimetry, and fluorescence. For all assays standard operating procedures were developed. A549 and NCI-H441 lung epithelial cells in single and in co-culture with THP-1 derived macrophages served as lung epithelial models. Normal human epidermal keratinocytes and in vitro reconstituted human epidermis were employed as skin models. Undifferentiated and differentiated Caco-2 gut epithelial cells were applied as gut epithelial models. Primary CD34-derived dendritic cells (CD34-DCs) served as an immune model. We used well-characterized model NPs, i.e. 50nm amine-modified and 50nm carboxyl-modified polystyrene NPs (PS-NH2 and PS-COOH, respectively).PS-COOH NPs showed no effect in any test while PS-NH2 displayed cytotoxicity in most cell models. CD34-DCs was the most sensitive cell model tested. The tetrazolium-based MTS assay was the most robust assay in our study, applicable to all cell models investigated. Therefore, this assay could become an integral part of a NP testing strategy. Other assays might be also useful, depending on the cell model or the type of investigation.

New insights into the phenotype of human dendritic cell populations.

HLDA10 is the Tenth Human Leukocyte Differentiation Antigen (HLDA) Workshop. The HLDA Workshops provide a mechanism to allocate cluster of differentiation (CD) nomenclature by engaging in interlaboratory studies. As the host laboratory, we invited researchers from national and international academic and commercial institutions to submit monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to human leukocyte surface membrane molecules, particularly those that recognised molecules on human myeloid cell populations and dendritic cells (DCs). These mAbs were tested for activity and then distributed as a blinded panel to 15 international laboratories to test on different leukocyte populations. These populations included blood DCs, skin-derived DCs, tonsil leukocytes, monocyte-derived DCs, CD34-derived DCs, macrophage populations and diagnostic acute myeloid leukaemia and lymphoma samples. Each laboratory was provided with enough mAb to perform five repeat experiments. Here, we summarise the reactivity of different mAb to 68 different cell-surface molecules expressed by human myeloid and DC populations. Submitted mAbs to some of the molecules were further validated to collate data required to designate a formal CD number. This collaborative process provides the broader scientific community with an invaluable data set validating mAbs to leukocyte-surface molecules.

Transcriptional Profiling of Human Dendritic Cell Populations and Models - Unique Profiles of In Vitro Dendritic Cells and Implications on Functionality and Applicability

BackgroundDendritic cells (DCs) comprise heterogeneous populations of cells, which act as central orchestrators of the immune response. Applicability of primary DCs is restricted due to their scarcity and therefore DC models are commonly employed in DC-based immunotherapy strategies and in vitro tests assessing DC function. However, the interrelationship between the individual in vitro DC models and their relative resemblance to specific primary DC populations remain elusive.ObjectiveTo describe and assess functionality and applicability of the available in vitro DC models by using a genome-wide transcriptional approach.MethodsTranscriptional profiling was performed with four commonly used in vitro DC models (MUTZ-3-DCs, monocyte-derived DCs, CD34-derived DCs and Langerhans cells (LCs)) and nine primary DC populations (dermal DCs, LCs, blood and tonsillar CD123+, CD1c+ and CD141+ DCs, and blood CD16+ DCs).ResultsPrincipal Component Analysis showed that transcriptional profiles of each in vitro DC model most closely resembled CD1c+ and CD141+ tonsillar myeloid DCs (mDCs) among primary DC populations. Thus, additional differentiation factors may be required to generate model DCs that more closely resemble other primary DC populations. Also, no model DC stood out in terms of primary DC resemblance. Nevertheless, hierarchical clustering showed clusters of differentially expressed genes among individual DC models as well as primary DC populations. Furthermore, model DCs were shown to differentially express immunologically relevant transcripts and transcriptional signatures identified for each model DC included several immune-associated transcripts.ConclusionThe unique transcriptional profiles of in vitro DC models suggest distinct functionality in immune applications. The presented results will aid in the selection of an appropriate DC model for in vitro assays and assist development of DC-based immunotherapy.

Decreased Expression of Indoleamine 2,3-Dioxygenase 1 (IDO 1) in Dendritic Cells From Patients with Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP) Correlates with Impaired Regulatory T Cells Development

AbstractAbstract 2770Recent studies suggest a bi-directional interaction between regulatory T cells (Tregs) and dendritic cells (DCs). Despite their role as inducers of immunity, DCs may also be critical in maintaining tolerance to self-antigens by inducing Tregs. Specifically, Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO 1) expressing DCs expand Tregs. In turn, Tregs, which express CTLA4, engage its receptors B7-1(CD80)/B7-2(CD86), thus inducing the expression of IDO1 enzyme in DCs. IDO1 expression leads to tryptophan depletion and immunosuppressive kynurenine enrichment in the tissue. Both factors drive the de novo generation of Tregs from CD4+ T cells. In addition, Tregs may modulate the maturation and/or function of DCs, which are required for the activation of effector T cells. Tregs out compete with naïve T cells in aggregating around DCs. After forming aggregates, Tregs specifically downregulate the expression of CD80 and CD86 on DCs. The result of the interaction between Tregs and DCs is the impaired capacity of the antigen presenting cells to establish long lasting interactions with effector T cells. Therefore, given the crucial role of DCs and Tregs in initiating, regulating, maintaining or repressing immune responses, investigations on their interaction is of great importance for better elucidating the pathogenesis of ITP. Of note, in ITP this interaction and its pathogenetic role have never been investigated in depth. In this paper, we enumerated and functionally characterized Treg subsets, exploring whether in ITP abnormal Tregs interactions with DCs and/or effector T cells might play a pathogenetic role. Specifically, we studied whether, in ITP patients: 1) DCs maturation is differentially modulated by Tregs from ITP patients as compared with healthy donors; 2) the mechanism of Tregs generation is altered. Forty adult ITP patients, newly diagnosed (14 cases) or with persistent (20 cases) or chronic ITP (9 cases) were studied after informed consent. At the time of the study, patients with persistent or chronic ITP were out off therapy by at least two months. None of the patients were splenectomized. The median platelet count at the time of the study was 53×109/L (range 8–99). Allogeneic Mixed Leukocyte Reaction (MLR) was performed to test the suppressive activity of Tregs. To analyze the in vitro ability of highly purified CD4+CD25+ T cells to inhibit DCs maturation, normal immature CD14-derived DCs were cultured alone and with allogeneic CD4+CD25+ T cells from healthy subjects or ITP patients in the presence of Lipopolysaccaryde. CD80 and CD86 expression of CD14-derived DCs was then tested at flow cytometry. To evaluate the in vitro conversion of non Tregs into Tregs, CD4+CD25- T cells were cultured alone and with autologous mature CD14-derived DCs from ITP patients and healthy subjects. The percentages of CD4+CD25highFoxP3+ T cells were quantitated at flow cytometry. mRNA IDO1 expression of immature and mature CD14-derived DCs was then evaluated by Real-time RT-PCR. To determine IDO1 enzyme activity kynurenine levels were measured in the supernantants of mature CD14-derived DCs. We found that in ITP Tregs show lower ability to suppress T cell proliferation and to inhibit CD14-derived DCs maturation because they do not affect the expression of the costimulatory molecules CD80 and CD86. We show that the absolute number of Tregs was significantly decreased in ITP patients in comparison to healthy subjects (CD4+CD25highFoxp3+ T cells (5.5±4.3 vs 11.6±6.9 cells/microL; p below 0.01) and CD4+CD25highCD127low/negative T cells (50.9±27.3 vs 80.5±37.7 cells/microL; p below 0.02)). In addition, in ITP patients we document that the low number of circulating Tregs may be due to the reduced ability of mature CD14-derived DCs to convert non-Treg cells (CD4+CD25-) into Tregs (CD4+CD25highFoxP3+ Tregs). This is related to reduced expression and activity of the IDO1 enzyme in mature CD14-derived DCs from ITP patients, since DCs expressing IDO1 favour Treg generation. In conclusion, taken together our data demonstrate that in ITP the cross-talk between Tregs and DCs is impaired and plays a pathogenetic role. As a consequence, we found the generation of more immunogenic DCs and defective Tregs. Disclosures:No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

The CD47 Pathway Is Deregulated In Human Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP).

AbstractAbstract 3776The CD47 antigen is a transmembrane glycoprotein ubiquitously expressed on hematopoietic and non-hematopoietic cells. It serves as a receptor for Thrombospondin (TSP) and a ligand for signal regulatory protein-alpha (SIRP-alpha) receptor, acting, respectively, as a regulator of apoptosis and as antagonistic to phagocyte activity. Ligation of CD47 with antibodies, its natural physiological ligand TSP or the specific CD47-binding peptide 41NK induces apoptosis in nucleated blood cells. This apoptosis is characterized by mitochondrial damage and the exposure of phosphatydilserine on the outerleaflet of the plasma membrane. Interaction of SIRP-alpha with CD47 is important also for the regulation of phagocytosis. SIRP-alpha is an immunoglobulin superfamily member and is predominantly expressed in neurons, dendritic cells (DCs) and monocytes/macrophages. Phagocytes engulf foreign cells but not “self” in part because “self” cells express CD47 as a ligand for SIRP-alpha, which inhibits phagocytosis. Thus CD47 functions as a “don't eat me” signal. Based on studies in mice, a novel mechanism of platelet destruction involving the CD47/SIRP-alpha system has been recently suggested in Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP). Specifically, it has been demonstrated that: 1) platelet homeostasis is regulated by platelet expression of CD47 under normal conditions and in immune thrombocytopenia in a mouse model; 2) interaction between platelet CD47 and macrophage SIRP-alpha is important in regulating normal platelet turnover and FcgammaR-mediated clearance of IgG-sensitized platelets; 3) CD47-deficient platelets have a shortened half-life in the circulation of CD47 wild-type mice and are also more sensitive to Fcgamma receptor-mediated clearance, both in vivo and in vitro. However, the role of CD47 pathway in the pathogenesis of human ITP has not yet been studied. Therefore, the main purpose of the present study was to evaluate whether alterations of this system (platelets/phagocytes) might play a pathogenetic role in human ITP. In particular, we investigated whether in ITP: i) platelets are more susceptible to CD47-induced cell death; ii) expression of CD47 on fresh and in vitro aged platelets is reduced; iii) the platelet phagocytic capacity of CD14-derived DCs and macrophages is differentially modulated in the presence or absence of antibodies against CD47 and SIRP-alpha. Phenotypical and functional analysis of the expression of CD47 on platelets and SIRP-αlpha on CD14-derived/circulating DCs and on CD14-derived macrophages was performed in 32 ITP patients. Patients were newly diagnosed (14 cases) or with persistent (15 cases) or chronic (3 cases) ITP. At the time of the study, patients with persistent or chronic ITP were off therapy by at least two months. None of the patients were splenectomized. The median platelet count at the time of the study was 49×109/L (range 14–98). We found that in healthy subjects CD47 expression increased in in vitro aged platelets and ligation of CD47 with anti-CD47 antibody induced a dose-dependent increase of platelet apoptosis. Immature and mature CD14-derived DCs and circulating myeloid DCs were strongly positive for SIRP-α. Conversely, we demonstrated that in ITP: 1) CD47 expression was unchanged in freshly isolated and in vitro aged platelets; 2) increased platelet apoptosis was not due to the activation of the CD47-induced cell death pathway, which instead was shown to be blocked; 3) the blockage of SIRP-αlpha on immature CD14-derived DCs or CD47 on platelets by specific antibodies failed to modify platelet uptake/phagocytosis of DCs; in contrast, targeting platelet CD47 with specific antibody significantly increases platelet phagocytosis of CD14-derived macrophages. In conclusion, our data demonstrate that in ITP the increased platelet clearance is not due to reduced CD47 expression on platelets. However, platelets from ITP patients are not healthy because 1) apoptosis is increased; 2) platelet apoptosis is independent from CD47 death signal; 3) CD47 expression is not modified by in vitro ageing/apoptosis. In addition, we show that the CD47 pathway plays a role in platelet phagocytosis of macrophages, but not in DCs. We conclude that in ITP patients platelet homeostasis is differentially modulated by the CD47 pathway. Disclosures:No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Characterization of the CD47/SIRP-Alpha System in Patients with Immune Thrombocytopenia.

Abstract 1309Poster Board I-331 IntroductionThe CD47 antigen is a transmembrane glycoprotein ubiquitously expressed on hematopoietic and non-hematopoietic cells. It serves as a ligand for SIRP-alpha (signal regulatory protein-alpha) receptor and as a receptor for Thrombospondin, acting, respectively, as antagonistic to phagocyte activity and as regulator of apoptosis. Based on mouse studies, a novel mechanism of platelet destruction involving the CD47/SIRP-alpha system has been recently proposed in immune thrombocytopenia. This mechanism suggests that platelet homeostasis is regulated by platelet expression of CD47 and that interaction between platelet CD47 and macrophage SIRP-alpha receptor is important in regulating platelet macrophage phagocytosis. However, the role of this system in platelet uptake/phagocytosis by dendritic cells (DCs) has never been investigated in immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) in humans. Therefore, our purpose was to evaluate whether alterations of the CD47/SIRP-alpha system may have a role in the pathogenesis of ITP in humans. Patients and methodsTwenty five ITP patients were studied. We phenotypically characterized apoptosis (Annexin-V FITC staining) and the expression of CD47 on platelets and SIRP-alpha on CD14-derived and circulating DCs by flow cytometry. To determine whether platelet apoptosis was due to activation of CD47-cell death pathway, in parallel experiments, we assessed the in vitro sensitivity of platelets to antibody CD47 ligation. In addition, to investigate the role of CD47/SIRP-alpha system on platelet phagocytic capacity of CD14-derived DCs, immature DCs were coincubated with PKH26-labelled platelets in the presence or absence of antibodies against CD47 and SIRP-alpha. The percentage of ingested platelets was then evaluated by flow cytometry. ResultsWe demonstrate that in ITP: 1) CD47 expression is not altered in freshly isolated platelets; 2) after in vitro aging, platelet apoptosis is increased as compared with the normal counterparts; 3) CD47 expression is unchanged in apoptotic platelets; by contrast, it increases in normal platelets; 4) the increased platelet apoptosis is not due to the activation of the CD47-induced cell death pathway; 5) despite low level expression of SIRP-alpha in CD14-derived DCs and in circulating DCs, the CD47/ SIRP-alpha system does not play a central role for in vitro platelet phagocytosis of DCs, since blockage of SIRP-alpha on DCs or CD47 on platelets by specific antibodies failed to modify phagocytosis. ConclusionsIn conclusion, we demonstrate that in ITP platelet CD47 expression does not play a role in the pathogenesis of the disease. We also show that, in ITP patients, higher platelet apoptosis is not due to different CD47-induced cell death susceptibility. Whether this is due to the fact that CD47 expressed on apoptotic platelets from ITP patients may have a peculiar conformation, avoiding the delivery of cell death signal, remains open question. Furthermore, the platelet uptake/phagocytosis by DCs is not significantly influenced by the CD47/ SIRP-alpha system. Supported in part by BolognaAIL (Italian association against Leukemia, Bologna section) DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

HMOX1 and NQO1 Genes are Upregulated in Response to Contact Sensitizers in Dendritic Cells and THP-1 Cell Line: Role of the Keap1/Nrf2 Pathway

Electrophilicity is one of the most common features of skin contact sensitizers and is necessary for protein haptenation. The Keap1 (Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1)/Nrf2 -signaling pathway is dedicated to the detection of electrophilic stress in cells leading to the upregulation of genes involved in protection or neutralization of chemical reactive species. Signals provided by chemical stress could play an important role in dendritic cell activation and the aim of this work was to test whether contact sensitizers were specific activators of the Keap1/Nrf2 pathway. CD34-derived dendritic cells (CD34-DC) and the THP-1 myeloid cell line were treated by a panel of sensitizers (Ni, 1-chloro 2,4-dinitrobenzene, cinnamaldehyde, 7-hydroxycitronellal, 1,4-dihydroquinone, alpha-methyl-trans-cinnamaldehyde, 2-4-tert-(butylbenzyl)propionaldehyde or Lilial, and 1,4-phenylenediamine), irritants (sodium dodecyl sulfate, benzalkonium chloride), and a nonsensitizer molecule (chlorobenzene). Three well-known Nrf2 activators (tert-butylhydroquinone, lipoic acid, sulforaphane) were also tested. Expression of hmox1 and nqo1 was measured using real-time PCR and cellular accumulation of Nrf2 was assessed by Western blot. Our results showed an increased expression at early time points of hmox1 and nqo1 mRNAs in response to sensitizers but not to irritants. Accumulation of the Nrf2 protein was also observed only with chemical sensitizers. A significant inhibition of the expression of hmox1 and nqo1 mRNAs and CD86 expression was found in 1-chloro 2,4-dinitrobenzene-treated THP-1 cells preincubated with N-acetyl cysteine, a glutathione precursor. Altogether, these data suggested that the Keap1/Nrf2-signaling pathway was activated by electrophilic molecules including sensitizers in dendritic cells and in the THP-1 cell line. Monitoring of this pathway may provide new biomarkers (e.g., Nrf2, hmox1) for the detection of the sensitization potential of chemicals.

Dendritic cells of immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) show increased capacity to present apoptotic platelets to T lymphocytes

Altered self-antigen processing/presentation of apoptotic cells by DCs and/or modifications of autoantigens may lead to the development of autoantibodies. Increasing evidence indicates that platelets may undergo apoptosis. Therefore, in the present study we investigated whether platelet apoptosis and/or dendritic cells (DCs) may play a role in the stimulation of the immuno-mediated anti-platelet response in chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). Twenty-nine patients with active ITP and 29 healthy adult volunteers were enrolled into the study. Freshly washed platelets and platelets aged in a plasma-free buffer for 72 hours at 37 degrees C were assessed by flow cytometry for phosphatidylserine exposure using annexin V-FITC, caspase activation, and platelet activation markers. CD14-derived DCs were characterized by immunophenotyping, cytokine production, and ability to present fresh and aged platelets to T lymphocytes. We demonstrated that platelets from ITP patients, either fresh or in vitro aged, show increased apoptosis (with low levels of activation) in comparison to their normal counterparts. We also found that immature DCs readily ingest apoptotic platelets. Furthermore, in ITP patients DCs, prepulsed with autologous/allogeneic fresh and aged platelets, are highly efficient in stimulating autologous T-cell proliferation as compared to DCs derived from healthy donors. This finding may be related to the upregulated expression of CD86 in DCs from ITP patients and not to higher phagocytic activity. These results suggest that DC dysfunction, together with increased propensity of platelets to undergo apoptosis, may play a role in the stimulation of the immune system in ITP.

MRNA transfection of dendritic cells: Synergistic effect of ARCA mRNA capping with Poly(A) chains in cis and in trans for a high protein expression level

The occurrence of translation mechanism in the cytosol offers advantages to mRNA transfer over DNA-based transfection in non-dividing cells. Here, we sought to optimize mRNA constructs allowing a high level of protein upon lipofection. We found that luciferase into mouse dendritic cells (JAWSII cells) was ∼20-fold higher when the luciferase mRNA was capped with 3′- O-methyl-m7 5′Gppp 5′G (anti-reverse cap analogue; ARCA) than with m7 5′Gppp 5′G (CAP). Adding a Poly(A) tail of 100 instead of 64 adenosines in cis increased by ∼35-fold more the protein level. Finally, ARCA-Luc-mRNA-A100 construct was 700-fold better efficient than the CAP-Luc-mRNA-A64 one. Moreover, co-transfection with free Poly(A) chains in trans enhanced by 100% the luciferase level. The efficiency of ARCA-mRNA-A100 construct was validated in immature and mature human CD34-derived dendritic cells. Such mRNA construct was also successful to obtain high level of MART-1 tumor antigen.

Mesenchymal Stem Cells Inhibit Generation and Function of Both Monocyte-Derived and CD34-Derived Dendritic Cells.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been demonstrated to exert profound immunosuppressive properties on T cell proliferation. However, their effect on the initiators of the immune response, the dendritic cells (DCs), are relatively unknown. In the present study, the effects of MSCs on the differentiation and function of both monocyte-derived DCs and CD34+-derived DCs were investigated. Monocytes (CD1a-CD14+) were obtained from PB and were cultured with IL-4 and GM-CSF to induce differentiation into CD14-CD1a+ immature DCs. CD34+ hematopoietic progenitor cells were isolated from umbilical cord blood samples and cultured in the presence of GM-CSF, TNF-a, and SCF to generate Langerhans cells, which differentiate directly into CD1a+ DCs, and dermal/interstitial DCs, which differentiate via an intermediate CD14+CD1a- phenotype into CD14-CD1a+ DCs. MSCs were generated from fetal lung tissue as reported previously (Exp. Hematol. 2002; 30: 870–878). The phenotype (CD1a, CD14, CD80, CD86, CD83, HLA-DR, CD40) of the cells was analyzed by flow cytometry; cytokine production (IL-12, TNF-α) was examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and T cell stimulatory capacity was determined by a mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR). The presence of MSCs during the complete differentiation period completely prevented the generation of immature DCs (CD1a+CD14-) from monocytes in a dose-dependent manner. MSCs in the upper wells of a transwell culture system inhibited the differentiation of monocytes in the lower wells, indicating that the suppressive effect of MSCs was mediated via soluble factors. The inhibitory effect of MSCs on the differentiation of DCs was partially prevented by the addition of neutralizing antibodies to IL-6 and M-CSF, indicating the involvement of these cytokines. Upon removal of MSCs cultured in a transwell after 48h, differentiation of monocytes towards DCs was restored, indicating that the suppressive effect of MSCs was reversible. DCs generated in the presence of MSCs were unresponsive to signals inducing maturation (CD40 ligand, lipopolysaccharide), as demonstrated by the absence of CD83, CD80, CD86 and HLA-DR upregulation and the decreased production of the inflammatory cytokines TNF-α (76%) and IL-12 (79%). In addition, the T cell stimulatory capacity of mature DCs generated in the presence of MSCs was strongly reduced. MSCs also inhibited the generation of DCs from CD34+ progenitor cells by blocking the differentiation of CD14+CD1a- precursors into dermal/interstitial DCs, without affecting the generation of CD1a+ Langerhans cells. The inhibitory effect of MSCs on CD34+ cell differentiation was dose-dependent and resulted in both phenotypical and functional modifications, as demonstrated by a reduced expression of costimulatory molecules (CD80, CD86) and CD83, and hampered capacity to stimulate naïve T-cell proliferation (50,112 ± 1,305 cpm versus 20,412 ± 1,593 cpm). Taken together, these data demonstrate that MSCs, next to the anti-proliferative effect on T cells, have a profound inhibitory effect on the generation and function of both monocyte- and CD34+-derived DCs, indicating that MSCs are able to modulate immune responses at multiple levels.

An in vitro evaluation of the potential suitability of peripheral blood CD14+ and bone marrow CD34+-derived dendritic cells for a tolerance inducing regimen in the primate

Dendritic cells (DC) represent a tool not only for immune activation, but also potentially for tolerance induction in transplantation. This latter approach is yet to be explored in a pre-clinical primate model. Since no information concerning baboon DC has been available, we characterised the DC of this species derived in vitro from bone marrow (CD34+) and peripheral blood (CD14+) precursors to determine which would be the most suitable for a tolerance inducing strategy. Baboon DC were differentiated in vitro using protocols similar to those used in humans and their maturation status was assessed and compared according to their phenotype and function. Based on both phenotypic and functional criteria, the CD14-derived baboon DC appeared to be less mature DC, necessitating an additional stimulus in order to become fully mature. The CD34-derived DC on the other hand appeared more mature in nature, without necessarily requiring exposure to overt maturation signals. We suggest therefore that, in the baboon, peripheral blood CD14-derived DC may be more suitable for protocols where tolerance induction is the goal. We now aim to perform further in vitro investigations into the potential tolerance inducing effects of CD14-derived DC alone or in association with other strategies that would be applicable in vivo.

Comparison of CD34 and Monocyte‐Derived Dendritic Cells from Mobilized Peripheral Blood from Cancer Patients

Dendritic cells (DCs) are potent antigen-presenting cells that are integral to the initiation of T-cell immunity. Two cell types can be used as a source for generating DCs: monocytes and CD34(+) stem cells. Despite many investigations characterizing DCs, none have performed a direct paired comparison of monocyte and stem cell-derived DCs. Therefore, it is unclear whether one cell source has particular advantages over the other, or whether inherent differences exist between the two populations. We undertook the following study to determine if there were any differences in DCs generated from monocytes or CD34(+) cells from mobilized peripheral blood. DCs were generated by culturing the adherent cells (monocytes) in interleukin-4 and GM-CSF for 7 days, or by culturing nonadherent cells (CD34(+)) in the presence of GM-CSF and tumor necrosis factor alpha for 14 days. The resulting DCs were compared morphologically, phenotypically, functionally, and by yield. We could generate morphologically and phenotypically similar DCs. Differences were encountered when expression levels of some cell surface markers were examined (CD86, HLA-DR). There was no difference in how the DCs performed in a mixed lymphocyte reaction (p = .3). Further, no statistical difference was discovered when we examined cellular (DC) yield (p = .1); however, there was a significant difference when yield was normalized to the starting number of monocytes or CD34(+) cells (p = .016). Together, these data demonstrate that differences do exist between monocyte-derived DCs and CD34-derived DCs from the same cellular product (apheresis) from the same individual.

Impaired generation of bone marrow CD34-derived dendritic cells with low peripheral blood subsets in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome.

Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is a stem cell disorder characterized by ineffective haematopoiesis and blood cytopenias. The present study investigated the potential of bone marrow CD34(+) progenitors in MDS patients to proliferate and differentiate into dendritic cells (DCs) in a cytokine-supplemented liquid culture system and analysed the status of blood DC subsets in these patients. CD34(+) progenitors had low potential to generate DCs in vitro, as the number of DCs obtained from one CD34(+) cell was significantly lower compared with controls (median value 0.2 vs. 4, P = 0.003). In patients, the survival and proliferation of CD34(+) cells in culture was not correlated to the degree of apoptosis. Phenotypically and functionally CD34(+)-derived DCs were similar in MDS patients and normal subjects. The percentage of both circulating DC subsets in patients was extremely diminished compared with controls (myeloid DC: 0.10 +/- 0.10% vs. 0.35 +/- 0.13%, P < 0.001; plasmacytoid DC: 0.11 +/- 0.10% vs. 0.37 +/- 0.14%, P < 0.001). In cases with the 5q deletion both CD34-derived DCs and blood DCs harboured the cytogenetic abnormality. Our results indicate that, in MDS, the production of DCs is affected by the neoplastic process resulting in ineffective 'dendritopoiesis' with low blood DC precursor numbers. This quantitative DC defect probably contributes to the poor immune response against infectious agents and to the escape of the malignant clone from immune recognition with disease progression towards acute leukaemia.

98 Phenotype alterations in CD34-derived dendritic cells after exposure to contact allergens and irritants

98 Phenotype alterations in CD34-derived dendritic cells after exposure to contact allergens and irritants

Differential presentation of a soluble exogenous tumor antigen, NY-ESO-1, by distinct human dendritic cell populations.

Dendritic cells (DCs) play a critical role in initiating antigen-specific immune responses, because they are able to capture exogenous antigens for presentation to naive T cells on both MHC class I and II molecules. As such, DCs represent important elements in the development of vaccine therapy for cancer. Although DCs are known to present antigens from phagocytosed tumor cells or preprocessed peptides, we explored whether they might also present soluble recombinant NY-ESO-1, a well characterized cancer antigen. We compared the abilities of human monocyte-derived DCs and DCs derived in vitro from CD34-positive stem cells to present NY-ESO-1 epitopes to MHC class I-restricted cytotoxic T cells. Although monocyte-derived DCs did not efficiently crosspresent free NY-ESO-1 protein, IgG-immune complexes containing NY-ESO-1 were avidly presented after uptake by Fcgamma receptors (FcgammaRII). In contrast, CD34-derived DCs were unable to process either soluble or immune complexed NY-ESO-1, although they efficiently presented preprocessed NY-ESO-1 peptides. This difference did not necessarily correlate with endocytic capacity. Although monocyte-derived DCs exhibited greater fluid-phase uptake than CD34-derived DCs, the two populations did not differ with respect to their surprisingly limited capacity for Fcgamma receptor-mediated endocytosis. These results indicate that monocyte-derived DCs will be easier to load by using protein antigen in vitro than CD34-derived DCs, and that the latter population exhibits a restricted ability to crosspresent soluble exogenous antigens.

Immature human dendritic cells express asialoglycoprotein receptor isoforms for efficient receptor-mediated endocytosis.

In a search for genes expressed by dendritic cells (DC), we have cloned cDNAs encoding different forms of an asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGPR). The DC-ASGPR represents long and short isoforms of human macrophage lectin, a Ca(2+)-dependent type II transmembrane lectin displaying considerable homology with the H1 and H2 subunits of the hepatic ASGPR. Immunoprecipitation from DC using an anti-DC-ASGPR mAb yielded a major 40-kDa protein with an isoelectric point of 8.2. DC-ASGPR mRNA was observed predominantly in immune tissues. Both isoforms were detected in DC and granulocytes, but not in T, B, or NK cells, or monocytes. DC-ASGPR species were restricted to the CD14-derived DC obtained from CD34(+) progenitors, while absent from the CD1a-derived subset. Accordingly, both monocyte-derived DC and tonsillar interstitial-type DC expressed DC-ASGPR protein, while Langerhans-type cells did not. Furthermore, DC-ASGPR is a feature of immaturity, as expression was lost upon CD40 activation. In agreement with the presence of tyrosine-based and dileucine motifs in the intracytoplasmic domain, mAb against DC-ASGPR was rapidly internalized by DC at 37 degrees C. Finally, intracellular DC-ASGPR was localized to early endosomes, suggesting that the receptor recycles to the cell surface following internalization of ligand. Our findings identify DC-ASGPR/human macrophage lectin as a feature of immature DC, and as another lectin important for the specialized Ag-capture function of DC.

Dendritic cells (DCs) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA): progenitor cells and soluble factors contained in RA synovial fluid yield a subset of myeloid DCs that preferentially activate Th1 inflammatory-type responses.

There is evidence that mature dendritic cells (DCs) present in the rheumatoid arthritis (RA) joint mediate immunopathology in RA. In this study, we indicate that early myeloid progenitors for DCs and DC growth factors existing in RA synovial fluid (SF) are also likely participants in the RA disease process. A fraction of cells lacking markers associated with mature DCs or DC precursors and enriched in CD34(negative) myeloid progenitors was isolated from RA SF. These cells proliferated extensively when cultured in vitro with cytokines that promote the growth of myeloid DCs (GM-CSF/TNF/stem cell factor/IL-4) and, to a lesser degree, when cultured with monocyte/granulocyte-restricted growth factors (M-CSF/GM-CSF). Mature DCs derived from RA SF progenitors with CD14-DC cytokines known to be prevalent in the inflamed RA joint (GM-CSF/TNF/stem cell factor/IL-13) were potent stimulators of allogeneic T cells and inflammatory-type Th1 responses and included CD14-DC subtypes. Cell-free RA SF facilitated DC maturation from myeloid progenitors, providing direct evidence that the inflamed RA joint environment instructs DC growth. Enhanced development of CD14-derived DCs was correlated with the presence of soluble TNFR (p55), raising the possibility that soluble TNFR also regulate CD14-derived DC growth in vivo. SF from patients with osteoarthritis contained neither myeloid DC progenitors nor DC growth factors. The existence of DC progenitors and myeloid DC growth factors in RA SF supports the concept that RA SF may be a reservoir for joint-associated DCs and reveals a compelling mechanism for the amplification and perpetuation of DC-driven responses in the RA joint, including inflammatory-type Th1 responses.

Rapamycin induces apoptosis in monocyte- and CD34-derived dendritic cells but not in monocytes and macrophages

AbstractRapamycin (Rapa), a recently introduced immunosuppressive drug, seems to be effective in preventing acute allograft rejection. Although its antiproliferative effect on T lymphocytes has been investigated extensively, its effect on the initiators of the immune response, the dendritic cells (DCs), is not known. Therefore, the effect of Rapa on monocyte- (mo-DCs) and CD34+-derived DCs in vitro but also on other myeloid cell types, including monocytes and macrophages, was examined. The present study shows that Rapa does not affect phenotypic differentiation and CD40L-induced maturation of mo-DCs. However, Rapa dramatically reduced cell recovery (40%-50%). Relatively low concentrations of Rapa (10−9 M) induced apoptosis in both mo-DCs and CD34+-derived DCs, as visualized by phosphatidylserine exposure, nuclear condensation and fragmentation, and DNA degradation. In contrast, Rapa did not affect freshly isolated monocytes, macrophages, or myeloid cell lines. The sensitivity to Rapa-induced apoptosis was acquired from day 2 onward of mo-DC differentiation. Rapa exerts its apoptotic effect via a reversible binding to the cytosolic receptor protein FKBP-12, as demonstrated in competition experiments with FK506, which is structurally related to Rapa. Partial inhibition of Rapa-induced apoptosis was obtained by addition of ZVAD-fmk, which implies caspase-dependent and caspase-independent processes. The fact that Rapa exerts a specific effect on DCs but not on monocytes and macrophages might contribute to the unique actions of Rapa in the prevention of allograft rejection and other immune responses.

Characterisation of dendritic cells generated using stemspan™ serum-free medium

Mature dendritic cells (DC) are often generated in serum-replete medium. One of the disadvantages of this system is the batch-to-batch variation in the cytokine content of serum-replete medium and the consequent variation in the functional properties of the DC generated. A serum-free medium, in which cytokine content is controlled is therefore preferable. Here we describe the use of StemSpan™ Serum-Free Medium for the generation of DC from a variety of sources. Lineage negative bone marrow cells (30-50% CD34+) were enriched using the StemSep™ immuno-magnetic negative selection procedure and cultured in StemSpan™ SFEM supplemented with GM-CSF and FLT3-ligand. After 14 days in culture, the cells lost expression of CD34, developed typical DC morphology, increased expression of costimulatory molecules and gained the ability to stimulate an MLR. In addition, these CD34-derived DC were able to present peptide to CD8+ T cells. Peripheral blood monocytes (CD14+) isolated using StemSep™ were cultured for 7days in StemSpan™ SFEM supplemented with GM-CSF (100ng/ml) and IL4 (20ng/ml). These cells developed typical DC morphology, lost expression of CD14, increased expression of CD86, CD40, CD1a and HLA-DR and increased their ability to stimulate an MLR. Peripheral blood DC (defined as CD4+ HLA− DR+lin−) were enriched using StemSep™ and cultured in StemSpan™ SFEM with GM-CSF (100ng/ml) and TNFa (10ng/ml). After 3 days, these cells developed a typical DC morphology, increased expression of costimulatory molecules and increased ability to stimulate an MLR. In summary, StemSpan™ SFEM, when supplemented with the appropriate cytokines, can be used to generate functionally competent DC from blood and bone marrow precursors.