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Published on: November 4, 2016
Murine CXCL14 is dispensable for dendritic cell function and localization within peripheral tissues.
Simone Meuter1, Patrick Schaerli, Regula Stuber Roos
1Department of Medical Biochemistry and Immunology, Henry Wellcome Building, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XN, United Kingdom.
Molecular and Cellular Biology
|November 30, 2006
Summary
Murine CXCL14 (BRAK) is not essential for immune cell recruitment to the skin during homeostasis. Studies show that mice lacking CXCL14 still effectively recruit and maintain dendritic cells and macrophages.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Dendritic cells (DCs) are crucial for immune responses, but their recruitment and turnover in peripheral tissues during homeostasis are poorly understood.
- The chemokine CXCL14 (BRAK) is found in epithelial tissues and may aid in recruiting immune cell precursors to the periphery.
- While human CXCL14's role is suggested, the function of its mouse counterpart is unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vivo function of murine CXCL14 in the homeostatic recruitment and function of immune cells, particularly dendritic cells and macrophages.
Main Methods:
- Generation of a knockout mouse model lacking the CXCL14 chemokine.
- Analysis of immune cell populations (monocytes, macrophages, dendritic cells, Langerhans cells) in various tissues under steady-state conditions.
- Functional assessment of Langerhans cells, including activation, migration, and their role in delayed-type hypersensitivity reactions.
Main Results:
- No significant differences were observed in immune cell populations between CXCL14 knockout and control mice.
- Functionally, Langerhans cells in knockout mice retained their ability to activate, migrate from the skin, and induce delayed-type hypersensitivity.
Conclusions:
- Murine CXCL14 is dispensable for the homeostatic recruitment of antigen-presenting cells to peripheral tissues.
- The chemokine does not play a critical role in Langerhans cell functionality in vivo.
