Related Experiment Videos
Interactions between dendritic cells and epithelial cells in allergic disease
Erwin L Roggen1, Malin Lindstedt, Carl Borrebaeck
1Department of Protein Screening, Novozymes AS, Smoermosevej 11, 2880 Bagsvaerd, Denmark. elro@novozymes.com
Toxicology Letters
|November 26, 2005
Summary
Epithelial cells modulate dendritic cell function, influencing immune responses. This interaction, particularly in the respiratory tract, may promote Th2-skewed sensitization.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Allergy Research
Background:
- Dendritic cells (DCs) are key initiators of immune responses, requiring cellular interactions for allergen sensitization.
- Epithelial cells (ECs) possess accessory cell features, including antigen uptake and expression of immune-modulating molecules like HLA-DR.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the immunomodulatory role of epithelial cells in dendritic cell function and immune sensitization.
- To explore how epithelial cell-derived factors influence dendritic cell maturation and T cell polarization.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of epithelial cell expression of accessory molecules (HLA-DR, co-stimulatory molecules, FcgammaR).
- Assessment of epithelial cell-induced chemokine secretion (e.g., CCL20) and its effect on dendritic cell recruitment.
- Evaluation of epithelial cell-derived factors (e.g., TSLP, PGE2) on dendritic cell activation, maturation, and cytokine production (IL-12, IFN-gamma, IL-10).
Main Results:
- Epithelial cells exhibit antigen-presenting capabilities and can amplify memory T cell responses.
- Epithelial cells secrete chemokines (CCL20) attracting dendritic cells and release TSLP, activating DCs to prime naive T cells towards pro-inflammatory cytokine production while down-regulating IFN-gamma and IL-10.
- Epithelial cells produce PGE2, which impairs IL-12 p70 production by DCs but synergizes with IL-1beta and TNF-alpha for DC maturation and IL-12 p40 induction, potentially leading to Th2-skewed sensitization in the respiratory tract.
Conclusions:
- Epithelial cells act as crucial immunomodulators, significantly influencing dendritic cell function and shaping adaptive immune responses.
- Epithelial cell-derived mediators, such as PGE2, contribute to the Th2-skewed immune sensitization observed in respiratory allergies.
- Understanding these epithelial-dendritic cell interactions provides insights into allergic sensitization mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets.