Characterization of the phenotype and function of monocyte-derived dendritic cells in allergic conjunctivae
Résumé
Background: Dendritic cells (DCs) are the most potent antigen-presenting cells involved in initiating the immune response, presenting antigens to T cells and leading to T cell proliferation. In an immature state, DCs lack accessory signals required for T cell stimulation but are highly specialized to capture antigens. Full DC maturation changes the cell surface phenotype and facilitates stimulation of T cell proliferative responses. To examine the degree of DC maturity associated with vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC), we examined the phenotype and antigen-presentation capability of DCs derived from VKC patients and from normal controls. Methods: Flow cytometry was used to identify the cell surface expression of markers of DC maturity and mixed leukocyte reactions to assess DC induction of T cell proliferation. Results: DCs derived from VKC patients were of more mature phenotype than those from non-atopic controls. However, these VKC DCs had reduced capability for induction of T cell proliferation compared to DCs from controls. Conclusion: The increased maturity of DCs in VKC patients correlates with the heightened immune responsiveness associated with this disorder. A number of mechanisms may underlie the impaired ability of DCs in atopy to stimulate T cell proliferation. This impairment of DC induction of T cell activation is likely to be one factor which contributes to the modified inflammatory response seen in VKC patients and the recognised susceptibility of these patients to viral infection.
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