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Dendritic cell function is perturbed by Yersinia enterocolitica infection in vitro
M Schoppet1, A Bubert, H I Huppertz
1Children's Hospital, University of Würzburg, and Lehrstuhl für Mikrobiologie, Theodor-Boveri-Institut für Biowissenschaften, Universität Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.
Clinical and Experimental Immunology
|December 21, 2000
Summary
Yersinia enterocolitica infection impairs dendritic cell (DC) maturation and function. This reduced immunostimulatory capacity of DCs may contribute to the development of Yersinia enterocolitica-related diseases.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Microbiology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Yersinia enterocolitica causes intestinal and extraintestinal diseases.
- Dendritic cells (DCs) are potent antigen-presenting cells (APCs) crucial for initiating immune responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of human dendritic cells (DCs) during Yersinia enterocolitica infection in vitro.
- To understand how Yersinia enterocolitica affects DC maturation and immunostimulatory capacity.
Main Methods:
- Human peripheral blood DCs were isolated and infected with GFP-labeled Yersinia enterocolitica.
- DC maturation markers (CD83, CD86) and MHC class II expression were analyzed via FACS.
- Immunostimulatory capacity was assessed by co-culturing infected DCs with autologous T cells and measuring T cell proliferation.
Main Results:
- Yersinia enterocolitica invaded DCs without inducing necrosis or apoptosis.
- DCs showed signs of maturation (upregulated CD83, CD86) but transient downregulation of MHC class II and CD80.
- Infected DCs exhibited significantly reduced capacity to stimulate T cell proliferation.
Conclusions:
- Yersinia enterocolitica infection alters DC maturation and function.
- Downregulation of MHC class II on infected DCs correlates with diminished immunostimulatory capacity.
- Impaired DC function may contribute to Yersinia enterocolitica pathogenesis, including delayed bacterial clearance and development of extraintestinal manifestations like reactive arthritis.