Previously, we reported that ovarian hormones affect the immune response against
E. coli isolated from the dogs affected with pyometra. In order to
investigate mechanisms underlying the immune modulation, we examined the effects of
ovarian hormones on the generation of dendritic cells (DCs), the most potent antigen
presenting cell. DCs were differentiated from peripheral blood monocytes (PBMOs) using a
cytokine cocktail. Both estrogen receptor and progesterone receptors were expressed by the
PBMOs and immature DCs. When various ovarian hormones were added to the culture for the DC
differentiation, progesterone significantly decreased the expression of DC maturation
markers, such as CD1a, CD80 and CD86, on mature DCs. Conversely, the addition of estrogen
to the cultures increased the expression of CD86, but not other maturation makers.
Furthermore, DCs differentiated in the presence of progesterone did not stimulate
allogeneic mononuclear cells in PB. Taken together, these results indicate that
progesterone diminishes the maturation of DCs, leading to decreased immune responses
against invading pathogens.