In vitro differentiation of macrophages from peripheral blood cells of celiac patients

Federica Farina1, Mariavittoria Laezza2, Alessio Fasano3

  • 1European Biomedical Research Institute of Salerno (EBRIS), Salerno, Italy.

Methods in Cell Biology
|August 25, 2023
PubMed

Insights

This study details a method to differentiate monocytes into macrophages for studying autoimmune diseases. Macrophages from celiac disease patients show a pro-inflammatory response to gliadin, aiding research into gluten-related disorders.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Macrophages play dual roles in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
  • Environmental factors dictate macrophage polarization towards pro- or anti-inflammatory phenotypes.
  • Understanding macrophage behavior is crucial for disease pathology.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To present a protocol for in vitro macrophage differentiation from peripheral monocytes.
  • To investigate the phenotype of macrophages from celiac disease (CD) patients and those on a gluten-free diet (GFD) after gliadin challenge.
  • To establish a method for analyzing macrophage gene expression profiles.

Main Methods:

  • In vitro differentiation of monocytes into macrophages.
  • In vitro gliadin challenge of differentiated macrophages from CD patients and GFD subjects.
  • Quantification of cytokines in cell supernatant to assess pro-inflammatory phenotype.
  • Total RNA preparation for gene expression profiling.

Main Results:

  • Macrophages from celiac disease patients exhibit a pro-inflammatory phenotype upon in vitro gliadin challenge.
  • The protocol allows for the assessment of cytokine release and gene expression in response to gliadin.
  • Distinct macrophage responses may be observed between active celiac disease and gluten-free diet adherence.

Conclusions:

  • The described protocol facilitates the study of macrophage polarization in autoimmune conditions like celiac disease.
  • This method aids in understanding the role of macrophages in gluten-related disorders.
  • The protocol supports the analysis of molecular mechanisms underlying macrophage responses to dietary antigens.