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Updated: Mar 14, 2026
Development and Functional Characterization of Murine Tolerogenic Dendritic Cells
Published on: May 18, 2018
Antigen Presenting Properties of a Myeloid Dendritic-Like Cell in Murine Spleen
Ying-Ying Hey1,2, Helen C O'Neill2
1Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia.
Insights
Researchers identified a rare subset of mouse spleen myeloid dendritic-like cells (L-DC) distinct from conventional dendritic cells (cDC). These L-DC cells show unique phenotypes and gene expression, with specific antigen-presenting capabilities for CD8+ T cells.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Conventional dendritic cells (cDC) are key antigen-presenting cells.
- Distinct subsets of dendritic cells (DCs) play crucial roles in immune responses.
- Understanding myeloid cell heterogeneity is vital for immunology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize a rare subset of myeloid dendritic-like cells (L-DC) in the mouse spleen.
- To differentiate L-DC from conventional dendritic cells (cDC) based on phenotype, function, and gene expression.
- To investigate the antigen-presenting capabilities of L-DC.
Main Methods:
- Flow cytometry analysis to define cell surface markers (CD11b, CD11c, MHCII, CD43, Ly6C, Ly6G, Siglec-F).
- Antigen uptake and retention assays using mannan and soluble antigens.
- T cell activation assays for CD4+ and CD8+ T cells.
- Gene expression profiling (RNA sequencing) to compare L-DC and cDC subsets.
Main Results:
- A rare L-DC subset was identified with a unique phenotype: CD11bhiCD11cloMHCII-CD43+Ly6C-Ly6G-Siglec-F-.
- L-DC showed efficient uptake of complex antigens via mannose receptors but limited soluble antigen endocytosis.
- L-DC could not activate CD4+ T cells but were capable of antigen cross-presentation for CD8+ T cells, albeit less effectively than cDC.
- Distinct gene expression profiles were observed, with L-DC upregulating Clec4a3, Emr4, Itgam, Csf1r, and CD300ld compared to cDC subsets.
Conclusions:
- L-DC represent a distinct myeloid cell type within the mouse spleen.
- L-DC possess unique antigen-presenting properties, particularly in cross-presentation to CD8+ T cells.
- The identified L-DC subset expands our understanding of splenic myeloid cell diversity and function.
Abstract:
This paper distinguishes a rare subset of myeloid dendritic-like cells found in mouse spleen from conventional (c) dendritic cells (DC) in terms of phenotype, function and gene expression. These cells are tentatively named "L-DC" since they resemble dendritic-like cells produced in longterm cultures of spleen. L-DC can be distinguished on the basis of their unique phenotype as CD11bhiCD11cloMHCII-CD43+Ly6C-Ly6G-Siglec-F- cells. They demonstrate similar ability as cDC to uptake and retain complex antigens like mannan via mannose receptors, but much lower ability to endocytose and retain soluble antigen. While L-DC differ from cDC by their inability to activate CD4+ T cells, they are capable of antigen cross-presentation for activation of CD8+ T cells, although less effectively so than the cDC subsets. In terms of gene expression, CD8- cDC and CD8+ cDC are quite distinct from L-DC. CD8+ cDC are distinguishable from the other two subsets by expression of CD24a, Clec9a, Xcr1 and Tlr11, while CD8- cDC are distinguished by expression of Ccnd1 and H-2Eb2. L-DC are distinct from the two cDC subsets through upregulated expression of Clec4a3, Emr4, Itgam, Csf1r and CD300ld. The L-DC gene profile is quite distinct from that of cDC, confirming a myeloid cell type with distinct antigen presenting properties.
