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Experimental Infection with Listeria monocytogenes as a Model for Studying Host Interferon-γ Responses
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Experimental Infection with Listeria monocytogenes as a Model for Studying Host Interferon-γ Responses

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Microparticles released by Listeria monocytogenes-infected macrophages are required for dendritic cell-elicited

Yi Zhang1, Ruihua Zhang, Huafeng Zhang

  • 1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.

Cellular & Molecular Immunology
|October 16, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Macrophages support dendritic cells in presenting bacterial antigens for T-cell immunity. Macrophage-derived microparticles transfer antigens to dendritic cells, crucial for protective immunity against Listeria monocytogenes infection.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • The interaction between macrophages and dendritic cells in bacterial antigen presentation for T-cell immunity is not fully understood.
  • Dendritic cells (DCs) are key antigen-presenting cells, but their role alongside macrophages in Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) infection requires clarification.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the interplay between macrophages and dendritic cells in processing and presenting bacterial antigens.
  • To elucidate the mechanism of antigen transfer from macrophages to dendritic cells during Lm infection.
  • To assess the potential of macrophage-derived microparticles as a vaccine strategy.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized a Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) infection model in mice.
  • Analyzed antigen uptake and presentation by dendritic cells (DCs) and macrophages.
  • Investigated the role of microparticles (MPs) released by infected macrophages in antigen transfer to DCs.
  • Examined the requirement of MHC class I in MP-mediated antigen transfer.
  • Assessed protective immunity following vaccination with macrophage-derived MPs.

Main Results:

  • Dendritic cells (DCs) showed inefficient uptake of Lm but effectively acquired antigens from microparticles (MPs) released by Lm-infected macrophages.
  • MP-mediated antigen transfer enabled DCs to present Lm antigens to effector T cells.
  • MHC class I expression on macrophages was essential for efficient T-cell activation via MP transfer.
  • Vaccination with MPs from Lm-infected macrophages conferred significant protective immunity against Lm infection.

Conclusions:

  • Macrophages play a critical role in supporting dendritic cell-mediated T-cell immune responses during Lm infection.
  • An intrinsic program of antigen transfer from macrophages to dendritic cells via microparticles exists.
  • Macrophage-derived microparticles represent a promising strategy for developing vaccines against bacterial infections.

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