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Published on: November 24, 2015
In vitro analysis of the phenotypical and functional properties of the 4F7+ cutaneous accessory dendritic cell
M Mohamadzadeh1, J Knop, G Kolde
1Department of Dermatology, University of Mainz, Germany.
Insights
The monoclonal antibody 4F7 identifies a molecule on dermal and epidermal dendritic cells (DCs), potentially serving as precursors to Langerhans cells. These 4F7+ DCs exhibit characteristics similar to Langerhans cells in T cell activation.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Dermatology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Dendritic cells (DCs) play a crucial role in immune responses.
- Cutaneous DCs, including Langerhans cells, are key players in skin immunity.
- The specific markers and functions of distinct DC subsets are not fully elucidated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the phenotype and function of 4F7+ dendritic cells (DCs) in the skin.
- To investigate the relationship between 4F7+ DCs and Langerhans cells.
- To determine if 4F7+ DCs are precursors of epidermal Langerhans cells.
Main Methods:
- Enrichment of 4F7+ cells using immunomagnetic beads.
- Ultrastructural, immunocytochemical, and cytochemical analyses.
- Mixed leukocyte reaction (MLR) assays to assess T cell activation capacity.
Main Results:
- 4F7+ DCs exhibited typical DC characteristics and expressed NLDC145 but not 33D1.
- Epidermal 4F7+ cells expressed C3bi receptor and F4/80 marker.
- Freshly isolated 4F7+ DCs showed T cell activation capacity comparable to Langerhans cells.
- Cultured epidermal 4F7+ DCs demonstrated a significant increase in T cell stimulation.
Conclusions:
- The 4F7 antibody recognizes a function-associated molecule on cutaneous DCs.
- 4F7+ DCs are phenotypically and functionally related to Langerhans cells.
- 4F7+ DCs may represent precursors of epidermal Langerhans cells.
Abstract:
The monoclonal antibody 4F7 detects a molecule on dermal and epidermal Ia+ dendritic cells (DCs), and some of these cells are Birbeck granule-containing cells. Here we report on the phenotypical and functional characteristics of these cells which were highly enriched by 4F7-labelled immunomagnetic beads. The ultrastructural, immunocytochemical and cytochemical analyses of these preparations showed cells with the typical characteristics of DCs. The cells were found to express the DC marker NLDC145, but not 33D1. The C3bi receptor and marker F4/80 were only expressed by epidermal 4F7+ cells. The capacity of freshly isolated 4F7+ epidermal and dermal DCs to activate allogeneic T cells in a mixed leukocyte reaction was similar to the capacity of freshly isolated Langerhans cells. After culture, the epidermal cells showed a 4-5-fold increase in stimulation, whereas no difference was observed in the 4F7+ dermal DCs. We conclude that this new antibody recognizes a function-associated molecule on cutaneous DCs which are phenotypically and functionally related to Langerhans cells. The 4F7+ DCs may be precursors of epidermal Langerhans cells.
