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Updated: Oct 3, 2026

Purification of the Membrane Compartment for Endoplasmic Reticulum-associated Degradation of Exogenous Antigens in Cross-presentation
12:48

Purification of the Membrane Compartment for Endoplasmic Reticulum-associated Degradation of Exogenous Antigens in Cross-presentation

Published on: August 21, 2017

Endocytic routes of exogenous antigen in murine dendritic cells and macrophages

Z Xie1, X Cao, W Zhang

  • 1Department of Cell Biology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China.

Chinese Medical Journal
|January 10, 2002
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Dendritic cells (DCs) internalize exogenous antigens into MHC class II compartments, while macrophages (M phi s) direct them to lysosomes. Macrophages show a greater capacity for antigen scavenging than DCs.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology
  • Endocytosis

Background:

  • Dendritic cells (DCs) and macrophages (M phi s) are crucial antigen-presenting cells.
  • Understanding their distinct endocytic pathways is vital for immune response modulation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate and compare the endocytic routes of exogenous antigens in murine DCs and M phi s.
  • To investigate the intracellular trafficking of internalized antigens.

Main Methods:

  • Bone marrow-derived DCs and peritoneal M phi s were incubated with HRP-5 nm colloidal gold.
  • Intracellular distribution was analyzed using acid phosphatase and MHC II immuno-cytochemistry via electron microscopy.
  • Cells were chased for varying time points (0-120 minutes) post-pulsing.

Main Results:

  • DCs primarily directed internalized gold particles to MHC class II compartments (M II Cs) within 30 minutes.
  • Macrophages predominantly channeled gold particles to lysosomes, with fewer entering M II Cs.
  • Macrophages showed reduced particle retention over time compared to DCs, suggesting faster degradation or efflux.

Conclusions:

  • Murine DCs and M phi s exhibit distinct endocytic pathways for exogenous antigens.
  • DCs utilize M II Cs for antigen processing, potentially linked to their antigen-presenting role.
  • M phi s prioritize lysosomal pathways and demonstrate a higher capacity for antigen scavenging.

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