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Updated: Jul 21, 2026
Osteoclast Derivation from Mouse Bone Marrow
Published on: November 6, 2014
Phagocytosis and allogeneic T cell stimulation by cultured human osteoblast-like cells
Concepcion Ruiz1, Elena Pérez, Manuel Vallecillo-Capilla
1Department of Nursing, University of Granada, Spain. crr@ugr.es
Background/Aims:
The antigen phenotype of human osteoblast-like cells suggests that they are related to other cellular populations and may also have immunologic functions in common.
Methods:
Flow cytometry and transmission electron microscopy were used to show the phagocytotic activity of osteoblast-like cells in culture. The allogeneic stimulation of T cells by human osteoblast-like cells was determined by the measurement of T cell proliferation.
Results:
We demonstrated in vitro that human osteoblast-like cells isolated from normal bone specimens obtained during mandibular osteotomy can phagocytose particles of different nature and size and can stimulate allogeneic T cells. Phagocytosis of microorganisms (E.coli, Klebsiella or C. albicans) was observed, although at a very low rate of activity in comparison with the phagocytosis of latex particles.
Conclusion:
Our results suggest that human osteoblast-like cells may perform immunologic functions and act as antigen presentation cells.
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