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A novel lysosome-associated membrane glycoprotein, DC-LAMP, induced upon DC maturation, is transiently expressed in

B de Saint-Vis1, J Vincent, S Vandenabeele

  • 1Schering-Plough Laboratory for Immunological Research, Dardilly, France.

Immunity
|October 13, 1998
PubMed

Insights

We discovered DC-LAMP, a novel protein in dendritic cells (DCs), that is linked to lysosome function. Its expression increases during DC activation, suggesting a role in immune responses.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Dendritic cells (DCs) are crucial for initiating immune responses.
  • Lysosome-associated membrane glycoproteins play roles in cellular processes.
  • The specific function of DC-LAMP (dendritic cell lysosomal-associated membrane protein) in DCs remains largely uncharacterized.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify and characterize a novel lysosome-associated membrane glycoprotein in dendritic cells.
  • To investigate the expression pattern and cellular localization of DC-LAMP.
  • To explore the potential role of DC-LAMP in DC maturation and function.

Main Methods:

  • Identification of DC-LAMP via homology to CD68 and chromosomal localization.
  • Analysis of DC-LAMP mRNA expression in various tissues and cell types.
  • Detection of DC-LAMP protein using a specific monoclonal antibody (MAb).
  • In vitro studies of DC-LAMP expression during dendritic cell differentiation and activation.
  • Confocal microscopy to determine subcellular localization.
  • Analysis of DC-LAMP co-localization with MHC class II molecules.

Main Results:

  • A novel lysosome-associated membrane glycoprotein, DC-LAMP, was identified on chromosome 3q26.3-q27, homologous to CD68.
  • DC-LAMP mRNA is specifically expressed in lymphoid organs and dendritic cells.
  • The protein is exclusively detected in interdigitating dendritic cells.
  • DC-LAMP expression increases during in vitro DC differentiation and significantly upon activation with LPS, TNFalpha, or CD40L.
  • Confocal microscopy confirmed DC-LAMP's lysosomal localization.
  • DC-LAMP was observed in the MHC class II compartment before MHC class II molecule surface translocation and subsequently concentrated in perinuclear lysosomes.

Conclusions:

  • DC-LAMP is a novel dendritic cell-specific lysosome-associated membrane glycoprotein.
  • Its expression pattern and dynamic localization suggest a role in dendritic cell maturation and immune response modulation.
  • DC-LAMP may influence lysosome function following the surface expression of peptide-MHC class II complexes.

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