Hydrogen-Peroxide Synthesis and LDL-Uptake Controls Immunosuppressive Properties in Monocyte-Derived Dendritic Cells

Induction of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) is a critical step in immune cell evasion by different cancer types, including liver cancer. In the liver, hepatic stromal cells orchestrate induction of MDSCs, employing a mechanism dependent on hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) depletion. However, the effects on monocyte-derived dendritic cells (moDCs) are unknown.

Monocytes from healthy donors were differentiated to moDCs in the presence of extracellular enzymatic H₂O₂-depletion (hereinafter CAT-DCs), and studied phenotypically and functionally. To elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms, we analyzed H₂O₂- and LDL-metabolism as they are interconnected in monocyte-driven phagocytosis.

CAT-DCs were of an immature DC phenotype, particularly characterized by impaired expression of the costimulatory molecules CD80/86. Moreover, CAT-DCs were able to suppress T-cells using indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), and induced IL10/IL17-secreting T-cells-a subtype reported to exert immunosuppression in acute myeloid leukemia. CAT-DCs also displayed significantly increased NADPH-oxidase-driven H₂O₂-production, enhancing low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-uptake. Blocking LDL-uptake restored maturation, and attenuated the immunosuppressive properties of CAT-DCs.

Here, we report a novel axis between H₂O₂- and LDL-metabolism controlling tolerogenic properties in moDCs. Given that moDCs are pivotal in tumor-rejection, and lipid-accumulation is associated with tumor-immune-escape, LDL-metabolism appears to play an important role in tumor-immunology.