Implantation of mammalian embryos into their mother's uterus ensures optimal nourishment and protection throughout development. Complex molecular interactions characterize the implantation process, and an optimal synchronization of the components of this embryo-maternal dialogue is crucial for a successful reproductive outcome. In the present study, we investigated the role of dendritic cells (DC) during implantation process using a transgenic mouse system (DTRtg) that allows transient depletion of CD11c+ cells in vivo through administration of diphtheria toxin. We observed that DC depletion impairs the implantation process, resulting in a reduced breeding efficiency. Furthermore, the maturity of uterine natural killer cells at dendritic cell knockout (DCKO) implantation sites was affected as well; as demonstrated by decreased perforin expression and reduced numbers of periodic-acid-Schiff (PAS)-positive cells. This was accompanied by disarrangements in decidual vascular development. In the present study, we were also able to identify a novel DC-dependent protein, phosphatidylinositol transfer protein beta (PITPbeta), involved in implantation and trophoblast development using a proteomic approach. Indeed, DCKO mice exhibited substantial anomalies in placental development, including hypocellularity of the spongiotrophoblast and labyrinthine layers and reduced numbers of trophoblast giant cells. Giant cells also down-regulated their expression of two characteristic markers of trophoblast differentiation, placental lactogen 1 and proliferin. In view of these findings, dendritic cells emerge as possible modulators in the orchestration of events leading to the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy.

Summary. B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (B-CLL) cannot be cured by conventional chemotherapy, therefore, toxin-linked therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are increasingly examined for their potential to improve clinical outcome. The current study aimed to identify mAbs that were internalized by the B-CLL cells of 14 patients, using both flow cytometry and confocal laser scanning microscopy. Anti-CD5, CD22 and CD40 mAbs were effectively taken up by B-CLL cells, whereas mAbs against CD19, CD20, CD23 and CD45 were not. This study may form a basis for further research to identify antibodies that may serve as carriers for toxins to treat B-CLL.

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Our findings suggest that MPIO are suited for clinical translation of strategies for cellular imaging with MRI. Attention should be paid to iron release and oxidative stress caused by biodegradable contrast agents.

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