Comparison of membrane antigens of mouse dendritic cell types

The surface antigens of veiled cells (VC) isolated from the thoracic duct of mesenteric lymphadenectomized (MLNX) mice have been analyzed by means of monoclonal antibodies and compared with those of dendritic cells (DC) from the spleen, lymph node dendritic cells (LNDC) and peritoneal macrophages (PMO). All dendritic cell types were intensely stained with anti-Ia whereas only 11% PMO were labelled. Neither VC, DC or LNDC expressed the two antigens Mac-1 or F4/80 which are present on macrophages. 63% VC and 11-14% DC and LNDC expressed Mac-2, which is a macrophage subpopulation marker. From 11-23% of the dendritic cell types reacted with anti-Mac-3 which recognizes an antigen Mac-3 found on the surface of macrophages and interdigitating cells. Anti-33D1 which reacts with an antigen on DC was also cytotoxic towards a proportion of VC and DC. Anti-NLDC-145, which recognizes an antigen on interdigitating cells and VC from lymph nodes, reacted with 67% isolated LNDC and to a lesser extent with VC from the thoracic duct and DC from the spleen. The results are discussed in the light of possible relationships between these non-lymphoid cells.