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Class II histocompatibility antigens on human dendritic cells.
Immunology
|May 1, 1987
Summary
Human dendritic cells (DC) show distinct patterns of HLA D locus antigen distribution. DR antigens concentrate at cell contacts, while DQ and RFD1 show different surface behaviors, suggesting varied processing.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Electron Microscopy
Background:
- Dendritic cells (DC) are crucial antigen-presenting cells.
- Histocompatibility antigens of the HLA D locus play a role in immune responses.
- Understanding antigen localization on DC is key to deciphering immune interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To visualize and characterize the surface distribution of HLA D locus antigens on human dendritic cells.
- To investigate the dynamic behavior of these antigens upon cellular stimulation.
Main Methods:
- Immunogold labeling technique for electron microscopy.
- Utilized antibodies specific to HLA-DR, HLA-DQ, and RFD1 (a D locus antibody).
- Observed antigen distribution at rest and after incubation at 37 degrees Celsius.
Main Results:
- HLA-DR was frequently concentrated at junctions between aggregating DC and lymphocytes or macrophages.
- HLA-DQ labeling was more diffuse and not concentrated at cell-cell contacts.
- RFD1 labeled DC in distinct patches, sometimes at points of contact.
- Upon warming, HLA-DR and RFD1 showed internalization into membrane-bound structures, while DQ remained on the surface.
Conclusions:
- Different HLA D locus antigens exhibit distinct localization patterns on human dendritic cells.
- The observed internalization of HLA-DR and RFD1 suggests differential processing pathways.
- These findings provide insights into the dynamic nature of antigen presentation by dendritic cells.