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Dendritic cell maturation is induced by mycoplasma infection but not by necrotic cells
M Salio1, V Cerundolo, A Lanzavecchia
1Basel Institute for Immunology, Basel, Switzerland. msalio@molbiol.ox.ac.uk
Abstract:
To identify environmental stimuli that induce dendritic cell (DC) maturation, we exposed human monocyte-derived immature DC to apoptotic or necrotic cells and measured the levels of expression of costimulatory molecules and cytokine production. While most necrotic or apoptotic cells did not have any effect, some induced DC maturation as detected by up-regulation of CD83 and B7.2 and production of IL-12 and IL-6. The capacity of these cell lines to induce DC maturation was due to their contamination by mycoplasma, since the maturation-inducing effect disappeared when the cells were treated with cyproxin. Furthermore, cell lines deliberately infected with mycoplasma containing supernatant acquired the capacity to induce DC maturation. Our results reveal that DC are able to sense mycoplasma infection and mature as they do in response to most viruses and bacteria. In contrast, apoptotic or necrotic cells fail to induce DC maturation.
Insights
Dendritic cells (DCs) mature in response to mycoplasma infection, not typically to apoptotic or necrotic cells. Mycoplasma contamination, not cell death itself, triggers DC maturation and cytokine production.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Dendritic cells (DCs) are crucial for initiating immune responses.
- Understanding environmental stimuli that trigger DC maturation is key to controlling immune reactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether apoptotic or necrotic cells induce dendritic cell maturation.
- To identify the specific environmental factors responsible for DC maturation.
Main Methods:
- Human monocyte-derived immature DCs were exposed to apoptotic or necrotic cells.
- Expression of costimulatory molecules (CD83, B7.2) and cytokine production (IL-12, IL-6) were measured.
- Cell lines were tested for mycoplasma contamination and treated with antibiotics (cyprofloxacin).
Main Results:
- Most apoptotic or necrotic cells did not induce DC maturation.
- Some cell lines induced maturation, which was attributed to mycoplasma contamination.
- Mycoplasma-infected cells and supernatants induced DC maturation, while antibiotic treatment removed this effect.
Conclusions:
- Dendritic cells can sense and mature in response to mycoplasma infection.
- Apoptotic or necrotic cells, in the absence of microbial triggers like mycoplasma, do not induce DC maturation.
- Mycoplasma contamination is a critical factor influencing DC maturation in vitro.