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Updated: Aug 9, 2026
Characterization of Human Monocyte-derived Dendritic Cells by Imaging Flow Cytometry: A Comparison between Two Monocyte Isolation Protocols
Published on: October 18, 2016
Flow cytometric analysis of different adhesion molecules expression on circulating CD14- and CD64- human dendritic
M G Macey1, N Jawad, D A McCarthy
1Department of Hematology, The Royal London Hospital, UK. M.G.Macey@mds.qmw.ac.uk
Insights
This study differentiates two blood dendritic cell precursor (DCp) subsets based on CD14 and CD64 expression. Findings reveal distinct adhesion molecule profiles, suggesting varied roles in leukocyte interactions and vessel wall binding.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Blood dendritic cell precursors (DCps) are mononuclear leukocytes expressing HLA-DR.
- DCps lack T cell (CD3), NK cell (CD16, CD56), and B cell (CD19) antigens.
- DCps are distinguished from monocytes by CD64 absence, not CD14 presence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate differences in adhesion molecule expression between CD14- and CD64- DCp subsets.
- To determine if CD14- DCps and CD64- DCps exhibit distinct binding characteristics.
Main Methods:
- Flow cytometry was used to analyze adhesion molecule expression.
- Comparison of five well-characterized adhesion molecules (CD11b, CD18, CD29, etc.) on DCp subpopulations.
- Distinguishing DCp subsets based on CD14 and CD64 expression.
Main Results:
- Fewer cells expressed CD11b, CD18, and CD29 in the CD64- DCp population compared to CD14- DCps.
- The CD64- DCp subpopulation showed lower expression levels of CD11b and CD18.
- Significant differences in adhesion molecule expression were observed between the two DCp subsets.
Conclusions:
- Two distinct subpopulations of blood dendritic cell precursors (DCps) exist, differentiated by CD14 and CD64 expression.
- These DCp subpopulations exhibit differential expression of key adhesion molecules.
- Variations in adhesion molecules suggest distinct roles in endothelial binding and leukocyte interactions.
Abstract:
Blood dendritic cell precursors (DCps) are identified as mononuclear leukocytes expressing HLA-DR but lacking the characteristic antigens associated with T cells (CD3), NK cells (CD16 and CD56) and B cells (CD 19). Dendritic cell precursors are distinguished from monocytes by their lack of expression of CD64 rather than of CD14. This study investigated whether CD14- DCps differed from CD64-DCps, which were predominantly CD14+, in their expression of five well-characterised adhesion molecules. There were significantly fewer cells expressing CD11b, CD18 and CD29 in the CD64-DCp population compared with CD14- DCps, and this CD64- DCp subpopulation also had a lower expression of CD11b and CD18. Our results suggest that the two DC precursor subpopulations may differ from one another in their binding characteristics to blood vessel walls and to other leukocytes.
