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Updated: May 24, 2026
Economical and Efficient Protocol for Isolating and Culturing Bone Marrow-derived Dendritic Cells from Mice
Published on: July 1, 2022
Induction on differentiation and modulation of bone marrow progenitor of dendritic cell by methionine enkephalin
Jinling Liu1, Jingling Liu, Wenna Chen
1Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, No. 92, North Second Road, Heping District, Shenyang 110001, People's Republic of China.
Abstract:
Methionine enkephalin (MENK), the endogenous neuropeptide, is known to exert direct effects on the neuroendocrine and the immune systems and participates in regulation of various functions of cells related to both the innate and adaptive immune systems. Dendritic cells (DCs) play important role in initiating and regulating T cell responses. The aim of this work is to investigate the effects of MENK on differentiation, maturation, and function of DCs derived from murine bone marrow progenitors (BM-derived DCs). Our result showed that MENK could induce BM-derived DCs to polarize predominantly to mDC subtype, rather than pDC both in vivo and in vitro, and this was in favor of Th1 response. BM-derived DCs, after treatment with MENK, up-regulated the expressions of MHC class II and key costimulatory molecules. Result by RT-PCR showed MENK could increase expressions of delta and kappa receptors on BM-derived DCs. Also MENK promoted BM-derived DCs to secret higher levels of proinflammatory cytokines of IL-12p70, TNF-α. Furthermore, differentiated BM-derived DCs treated with MENK displayed higher activity to induce allogeneic T cell proliferation and MENK also inhibited tumor growth in vivo and induced apoptosis of tumor cells in vitro. Thus, it is concluded that MENK could be an effective inducer of BM-derived DCs and might be a new therapeutic agent for cancer, as well as other immune handicapped disease. Also we may consider MENK as a potential adjuvant in vaccine preparation.
Insights
Methionine enkephalin (MENK) promotes dendritic cell (DC) differentiation towards a Th1 response, enhancing immune function. This suggests MENK
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Neuroendocrinology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Methionine enkephalin (MENK) is an endogenous neuropeptide influencing neuroendocrine and immune systems.
- Dendritic cells (DCs) are crucial for initiating and regulating T cell responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of MENK on the differentiation, maturation, and function of bone marrow-derived DCs (BM-derived DCs).
Main Methods:
- In vivo and in vitro studies using murine bone marrow progenitors.
- Analysis of DC subtype polarization (mDC vs. pDC).
- Assessment of MHC class II and costimulatory molecule expression via RT-PCR.
- Measurement of cytokine secretion (IL-12p70, TNF-α).
- Evaluation of T cell proliferation and in vivo/in vitro anti-tumor activity.
Main Results:
- MENK induced BM-derived DCs to polarize predominantly to the mDC subtype, favoring Th1 responses.
- MENK upregulated MHC class II, costimulatory molecules, and delta/kappa receptors on DCs.
- MENK promoted secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-12p70, TNF-α) and enhanced T cell proliferation.
- MENK inhibited tumor growth in vivo and induced tumor cell apoptosis in vitro.
Conclusions:
- MENK is an effective inducer of BM-derived DCs, promoting a Th1-biased immune response.
- MENK shows potential as a therapeutic agent for cancer and immune-deficient diseases.
- MENK may serve as a valuable adjuvant in vaccine development.
