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Updated: Jul 18, 2026

Assessing the Development of Murine Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells in Peyer's Patches Using Adoptive Transfer of Hematopoietic Progenitors
13:34

Assessing the Development of Murine Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells in Peyer's Patches Using Adoptive Transfer of Hematopoietic Progenitors

Published on: March 17, 2014

Circulating human plasmacytoid dendritic cells are highly sensitive to corticosteroid administration

M Shodell1, K Shah, F P Siegal

  • 1Section of HIV Medicine, Department of Medicine, Saint Vinces Catholic Medical Center/Manhattan, New York, NY 10011, USA.

Lupus
|April 24, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Corticosteroids like prednisone significantly reduce plasmacytoid dendritic cell (pDC) counts and their interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) production in healthy adults. These effects were reversible upon hormone discontinuation, highlighting steroid impact on pDC function.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Endocrinology
  • Hematology

Background:

  • Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) are key interferon-producing cells implicated in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) pathogenesis.
  • Previous SLE studies noted pDC abnormalities, often in patients receiving corticosteroids.
  • The impact of corticosteroids on pDCs in healthy individuals remained unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of prednisone administration on pDC numbers and function in healthy adults.
  • To assess the reversibility of steroid-induced changes in pDCs after drug withdrawal.

Main Methods:

  • Four healthy volunteers received prednisone (15-30 mg/day) for 4 days.
  • pDC counts and their capacity for IFN-alpha production were measured during and after prednisone treatment.
  • Peripheral blood leukocyte populations were analyzed.

Main Results:

  • Prednisone significantly reduced both pDC counts (P=0.02) and IFN-alpha production (P=0.004).
  • The reduction in IFN-alpha was due to decreased cell numbers and lower IFN-alpha output per cell.
  • Granulocyte counts showed opposite changes, while other leukocytes were minimally affected.
  • pDC levels and function rapidly recovered post-treatment.

Conclusions:

  • Corticosteroids, specifically prednisone, suppress pDC numbers and IFN-alpha production in healthy adults.
  • These effects are reversible, indicating a direct impact of steroids on pDC homeostasis.
  • Findings provide crucial insights into how steroid therapy might influence immune responses in conditions like SLE.

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