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Plasmacytoid monocytes/T cells: a dendritic cell lineage?
L Galibert1, C R Maliszewski, S Vandenabeele
1Discovery Research, Immunex Corporation, 51 University Street, Seattle, WA 98101-2936, USA. galibertl@immunex.com
Seminars in Immunology
|August 15, 2001
Summary
Plasmacytoid monocytes/T cells, known for producing type-I interferon and differentiating into dendritic cells (DC), are proposed to be a composite group of myeloid and lymphoid cells, not a distinct lineage.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Hematology
Background:
- Plasmacytoid monocytes/T cells were identified in 1958, but their origins and functions remain unclear.
- Recent research highlights their role in producing type-I interferons and differentiating into dendritic cells (DC).
- A hypothesis suggests these cells form a distinct lineage committed to DC differentiation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in understanding plasmacytoid monocytes/T cells.
- To evaluate the evidence for and against the proposed lineage hypothesis.
- To present an alternative model for the origin and nature of these cells.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent immunological research.
- Analysis of experimental data on plasmacytoid monocyte/T cell differentiation.
- Comparative analysis of myeloid and lymphoid cell characteristics.
Main Results:
- Plasmacytoid monocytes/T cells possess natural type-I interferon-producing capabilities.
- These cells demonstrate in vitro differentiation into dendritic cells (DC).
- Evidence supporting a distinct lineage is debated.
Conclusions:
- Plasmacytoid monocytes/T cells are not a single distinct lineage.
- They represent a composite group of early-committed myeloid and lymphoid cells.
- Their key characteristic is the ability to differentiate into dendritic cells in vitro.