Mebendazole-Treated Human Monocyte-Derived Dendritic Cells Represent Promoted Immunogenic Phenotype with Augmented
Shiva Alipour1,2,3, Sepideh Sohrabi1, Amirhossein Mardi1,2,3
1Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
Purpose:
Dendritic cells (DCs) play a critical role in regulating immune responses by influencing the balance between immune tolerance and immunogenicity. While mebendazole (MBZ) is known to polarize macrophages toward a tumor-suppressive phenotype, its effect on DCs remains unclear. This study investigates the effects of MBZ on the phenotype and inflammatory profile of human monocyte-derived dendritic cells (moDCs).
Methods:
Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were separated from the obtained blood from healthy donors using Ficoll density gradient centrifugation. Then, monocytes were isolated via plastic adhesion and subsequently differentiated into moDCs. Cells were treated with MBZ and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or just LPS, and then surface markers and inflammatory/anti-inflammatory gene expression were measured using flow cytometry and real-time PCR.
Results:
The study compared surface marker expression and gene expression of inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines between moDCs and MBZ-moDCs. MBZ-moDCs showed significantly higher CD86 surface expression but lower CD11c and HLA-DR expression in comparison to moDCs. Additionally, MBZ-moDCs exhibited increased interleukin (IL)-12, IL-18, IL-1β, and TNF-α gene levels and decreased IL-10 and IDO levels.
Conclusion:
MBZ holds significant potential for reshaping immunotherapy by exerting a profound impact on dendritic cells. By comprehending the intricate interaction between MBZ and dendritic cell function, innovative interventions can be developed.
