Innate Allorecognition Results in Rapid Accumulation of Monocyte-Derived Dendritic Cells

Although the mechanisms governing the innate recognition of pathogen-associated molecular patterns have been well defined, how allogeneic cellular stimuli evoke innate responses remains less so. In this article, we report that upon i.v. transfer (to avoid major iatrogenic interference), allogeneic but not syngeneic leukocytes could induce a rapid (after 1 d) accumulation of host monocyte-derived dendritic cells (moDCs) without any increase in conventional DCs. This occurred in various donor-host strain combinations, did not require MHC mismatch, and could be induced by various donor cell types including B cells, T cells, or NK cells. Using RAG(-/-)γc(-/-) and scid γc(-/-)mice with different MHC, we found that the presence of either donor or host lymphoid cells was required. Alloinduced moDC accumulation was significantly reduced when splenocytes from mice deficient in NK cells by genetic ablation were used as donors. A major component of this moDC accumulation appears to be recruitment. Our findings provide new insights into how the innate and adaptive immune system may interact during allogeneic encounters and thus transplant rejection.