Dendritic cells are critical accessory cells for thymus-dependent antibody responses in mouse and in man.

Abstract

We report that dendritic cells (DC) are necessary and potent accessory cells for anti-sheep erythrocyte responses in both mouse and man. In mice, a small number of DC (0.3-1% of the culture) restores the response of B/T-lymphocyte mixtures to that observed in unfractionated spleen. An even lower dose (0.03-0.1% DC) is needed if the T cells have been primed to antigen. Responses are both antigen and T cell dependent. Selective depletion of DC from unfractionated spleen with the monoclonal antibody 33D1 and complement ablates the antibody response. In contrast to DC, purified spleen macrophages are weak or inactive stimulators. However, when mixed with DC, macrophages can increase the yield of antibody-secreting cells about 2-fold. In man, small numbers (0.3-1%) of blood DC stimulate antibody formation in vitro. Purified human monocytes do not stimulate but in low doses (1% of the culture) inhibit the antibody response. Likewise, selective removal of human monocytes with antibody and complement enhances or accelerates the development of antibody-secreting cells. We conclude that DC are required for the development of T-dependent antibody responses by mouse and human lymphocytes in vitro.

Dendritic cells: Understanding immunogenicity

“…We also depleted fresh spleen cells of the trace DC component with 33D1 mAb and complement. Much of the antibody response in an otherwise unmanipulated spleen suspension was ablated, and could be restored by small numbers of enriched DC [37]. We went on to use DC to prime helper T cells to carrier proteins like KLH and HSA [38].…”

CD4-independent infection of human peripheral blood dendritic cells with isolates of human immunodeficiency virus type 1

“…Although DC represent a minor cell population, generally constituting ~< 1% of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) or of total cells in lymphoid and some non-lymphoid tissues, the importance of DC in regulation of immune responses has been well documented (Inaba et al, 1983(Inaba et al, , 1984Steinman et al, 1983). Possible involvement of DC in AIDS has been suggested by several studies.…”

The fabulous legacy of a Nobel Prize Laureate

“…12 In collaboration with Kayo Inaba (Kyoto, Japan), he also demonstrated the key role of DC in priming autologous helper T CD4+ (TH1) responses required for antibody formation against a soluble protein. 13,14 Other labs have then isolated DC in the afferent lymph in various species and tissues, leading to a seminal report of DC nomenclature published by several investigators. In 1985, Steinman's post-doctoral fellows Gerold Schuler and Nicki Romani first described the "maturation switch" of epidermal DC (also called Langerhans cells, Fig.…”