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Function-associated surface molecules on airway dendritic cells in cigarette smokers
Kai Bratke1, Michael Klug, Andrea Bier
1Department of Pneumology, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany.
American Journal of Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology
|January 22, 2008
Summary
Smoking alters airway dendritic cells (DCs) in smokers. Reduced expression of the CCR7 receptor on myeloid DCs (mDCs) correlates with airflow limitation, indicating a potential mechanism for smoking-related lung disease.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pulmonology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Airway dendritic cells (DCs) are crucial for regulating pulmonary immune responses to inhaled substances.
- The functional characteristics of DCs in smokers' airways remain largely uncharacterized.
- Understanding these changes is vital for addressing smoking-related respiratory diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression profile of function-associated surface molecules on airway myeloid DCs (mDCs) in cigarette smokers compared to never-smokers.
- To determine the association between these molecular changes and lung function parameters in smokers.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) cells from smokers and never-smokers using four-color flow cytometry.
- Assessment of surface molecule expression, including maturation and homing markers, on mDCs.
- Correlation of DC surface marker expression with lung function tests (e.g., airway obstruction, pulmonary hyperinflation).
Main Results:
- Smokers exhibited a significant increase in total BALF cells but similar percentages of mDCs and CD83 expression compared to never-smokers.
- Smokers' mDCs showed increased expression of Langerin, CD1a, CD80, and CD86.
- A notable decrease in the lymph node homing receptor CCR7 was observed on mDCs from smokers.
- Reduced CCR7 expression on mDCs was specifically linked to airway obstruction and pulmonary hyperinflation in smokers.
Conclusions:
- Cigarette smoking significantly alters the expression profile of surface molecules on airway myeloid DCs.
- The study provides the first evidence that decreased CCR7 expression on airway mDCs is associated with airflow limitation in smokers.
- These findings suggest a potential role for altered DC function in the pathogenesis of smoking-induced lung diseases.
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