FLT3⁺ DC inhibits immune rejection via interaction with Treg in liver transplantation

Fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) is a receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) primarily expressed in hematopoietic stem cells and dendritic cells (DCs). While FLT3 plays a critical role in the proliferation, development and maintenance of DCs, thus influencing immune responses under both normal and pathological conditions, there also exists some evidence that FLT3⁺DC may be involved with immune responses in liver transplantation (LT). In this study, results from single-cell sequencing data analysis revealed a clear relationship between FLT3⁺DCs and Regulatory T cells (Tregs) in liver tissue of LT recipients. In peripheral blood samples of LT patients, levels of FLT3⁺DCs were decreased post-LT-surgery, while Tregs were increased. In a LT mouse model, levels of FLT3⁺DCs in the liver and bone marrow exhibited an initial time-dependent decrease followed by an increase after LT surgery. Results as obtained with co-culture experiments using mature BMDCs and CD4⁺ T cells revealed fluctuations in Tregs in response to FLT3 inhibitors and the FLT3 ligand. These findings suggest that FLT3⁺DCs could emerge as a novel target for mitigating immune rejection in LT.