Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 31, 2026
A Simple and Efficient Method for Testing Immunomodulatory Agents for Generation of Tolerogenic Dendritic Cells from Human CD14+ Monocytes
Published on: April 11, 2025
Allergen-dependent CD14 modulation and apoptosis in monocytes from allergic patients
J Monteseirín1, I Bonilla, P Chacón
1Departamento de Medicina, Servicio Regional de Inmunología y Alergia, Hospital Universitario Virgen Macarena, Spain.
Background:
CD14 is a most important monocyte surface molecule. Recently, it has been reported that there is an important relationship between CD14 and immunoglobulin E, and that regulation of CD14 expression is an effector mechanism mediating apoptosis of monocytes.
Objective:
The present study was designed to determine whether specific allergens were able to modulate CD14 expression and apoptosis by monocytes from allergic patients or whether specific immunotherapy (IT) might affect these processes.
Methods:
One group of adult allergic asthmatic patients had received IT for the previous 3 years. Another similar group was not treated with IT. We challenged peripheral blood monocytes from both groups of asthmatic patients in vitro with the specific allergen that produced clinical symptoms in asthmatic patients. The cells were also challenged with allergen to which the patients were not sensitive. Monocytes from normal subjects were also challenged with allergens. Expression of CD14 on the monocyte surface was analyzed by flow cytometry, and soluble CD14 (sCD14) in culture supernatant by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The three groups of subjects were challenged with allergens, and apoptosis was analyzed by flow cytometry.
Results:
When monocytes from non-IT-treated asthmatic patients were cultivated with the allergens to which the patients were sensitive, a significant up-regulation on the monocyte surface was observed compared with results from the healthy group (P < 0.003) and from the IT asthmatic group (P < 0.003). A significantly higher sCD14 level was observed in the culture supernatant of the monocytes from the IT asthmatic group were observed compared with those from the healthy group (P < 0.001) and those from the non-IT asthmatic group (P < 0.001). A significantly higher apoptosis level was observed in monocytes from the IT asthmatic group compared with those from the healthy group (P < 0.001) and those from the non-IT asthmatic group (<0.001).
Conclusions:
We present evidence that the expression of CD14 on the surface of monocytes and the apoptosis of the same cells can be modulated by an allergen-dependent mechanism. These processes can be affected by IT.
Insights
Specific allergens modulate CD14 expression and monocyte apoptosis in allergic asthma. Immunotherapy (IT) impacts these allergen-induced changes, suggesting IT affects key immune responses in asthma patients.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Allergy Research
- Cell Biology
Background:
- CD14 is a crucial monocyte surface molecule involved in immune responses.
- CD14 expression regulation is linked to monocyte apoptosis.
- A relationship exists between CD14 and immunoglobulin E.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if specific allergens modulate CD14 expression and monocyte apoptosis in allergic asthma patients.
- To determine if specific immunotherapy (IT) affects these allergen-induced processes.
Main Methods:
- Monocytes from allergic asthmatic patients (with and without IT) and healthy subjects were challenged with specific allergens.
- CD14 surface expression and soluble CD14 (sCD14) levels were analyzed via flow cytometry and ELISA.
- Monocyte apoptosis was assessed using flow cytometry.
Main Results:
- Allergens significantly upregulated monocyte CD14 in non-IT-treated asthmatics compared to healthy and IT groups.
- Higher sCD14 levels were found in the IT asthmatic group's supernatant.
- Monocytes from the IT asthmatic group exhibited significantly higher apoptosis levels.
Conclusions:
- Allergen-dependent mechanisms modulate monocyte CD14 expression and apoptosis.
- Specific immunotherapy (IT) can influence these allergen-induced changes in monocytes.
- These findings highlight IT's potential role in regulating immune cell responses in allergic asthma.
Related Concept Videos
01:15Differentiation of Common Myeloid Progenitor Cells
01:27Allergic Drug Reactions
02:06Allergic Reactions
01:29Hypersensitivity Reactions: Delayed Hypersensitivity Reactions
01:24T Cell Types and Functions
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
01:28Inflammatory Response
Inflammation can be triggered by various stimuli, such as impact, abrasion, chemical irritation, infections, and extreme hot or cold temperatures. These can damage cells and connective tissue fibers,...