Dendritic Cells: Origin and Differentiation

Abstract

Abstract. Dendritic cells (DC) are bone marrowderived cells that are specialized to take up, process and present antigen, and have the capacity to stimulate resting T cells in the primary immune response. DC are a unique population that is likely to derive from a myeloid precursor cell. DC differentiation from bone marrow precursors is enhanced by the cytokines GM-CSF and tumor necrosis factor-α. In contrast, it has been proposed that thymic DC and T cells arise from a common stem cell, and that these DC play a specific role in the negative selection of thymic T cells. A number of post-bone marrow differentiation stages can be defined phenotypically and functionally. Undifferentiated DC have very active endocytic pathways, including receptor-mediated endocytosis involving a mannose/β glucan receptor, and macropinocytosis of soluble antigen. In contrast, later stages of maturation are associated with a decreased ability to take up and process antigen, and increasing expression of major histocompatibility complex, adhesion and costimulatory molecules. Finally, activation of DC for full antigen-presenting cell function can be identified by the expression of CD28 ligands. The inflammatory site in rheumatoid arthritis is a human model of DC differentiation in response to a chronic antigenic stimulus. The features of this DC model are discussed.

Dendritic cells and the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis

“…Such cells are also seen in the paracortex of lymph nodes [35]. Thus, nuclear RelB ϩ APC in rheumatoid ST closely resemble the fully mature interdigitating DC of normal lymph nodes [18,20,36]. Furthermore, of the nuclear RelB ϩ cells identified in RA ST, DC are the most frequent APC identified.…”

Nonviral transfection of distinct types of human dendritic cells: high-efficiency gene transfer by electroporation into hematopoietic progenitor- but not monocyte-derived dendritic cells

“…6,26 This feature enables genetic manipulation before terminal differentiation to DC which could be favorable for antigen presentation. 27 We found a superior efficacy of gene transfer, as well as a relatively more persistent expression profile in PC-LC, as compared with PC-DC.…”

Interleukin-2 induces development of dendritic cells from cord blood CD34+ cells

“…DC capture and process antigens in situ, present antigens associated with MHC II surface molecules, and stimulate a response from both T and B cells. DC are an important link in the chain of events that induces the development of anti-tumor and infectious immunity [1][2][3].…”