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Updated: Jul 10, 2026
09:51
Development and Functional Characterization of Murine Tolerogenic Dendritic Cells
Published on: May 18, 2018
Control of dendritic cell maturation and function by triiodothyronine
Ivan Mascanfroni1, María del Mar Montesinos, Sebastián Susperreguy
1CIBICI-CONICET, Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Haya de la Torre esq. Medina Allende, Ciudad Universitaria, 5000 Córdoba, Argentina.
Summary
Thyroid hormones (THs) regulate dendritic cell (DC) function by binding to thyroid hormone receptors (TRs). This study shows THs enhance DC maturation and their ability to activate T cells, impacting immunity.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Endocrinology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Growing evidence highlights interactions between immune and endocrine systems.
- The role of thyroid hormones (THs) in initiating adaptive immunity remains unclear.
- Dendritic cells (DCs) are crucial for activating naive T cells and orchestrating adaptive immunity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence of thyroid hormone receptors (TRs) on mouse dendritic cells (DCs).
- To determine the impact of THs on DC physiology and function.
- To explore the implications for immune and endocrine system interactions.
Main Methods:
- Bone marrow-derived DCs were cultured and matured.
- Thyroid hormone receptors (TRs) expression was analyzed at mRNA and protein levels.
- The effects of triiodothyronine (T3) on DC maturation markers, cytokine secretion, and T cell activation were assessed.
- Mechanisms involving nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) signaling were investigated.
Main Results:
- Dendritic cells (DCs) express thyroid hormone receptors (TRs) at both mRNA and protein levels.
- Physiological levels of triiodothyronine (T3) promoted DC maturation.
- T3 enhanced DC secretion of interleukin-12 and their capacity to induce T cell proliferation and IFN-gamma production.
- T3 influenced the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) in primed DCs.
Conclusions:
- This study provides the first evidence of TRs on bone marrow-derived DCs.
- Thyroid hormones (THs) can modulate DC maturation and function.
- These findings suggest THs play a significant role in immune regulation with implications for autoimmune diseases and cancer.
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