Systemic inflammatory response syndrome triggered by blood-borne pathogens induces prolonged dendritic cell paralysis and immunosuppression

Blood-borne pathogens can cause systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) followed by protracted, potentially lethal immunosuppression. The mechanisms responsible for impaired immunity post-SIRS remain unclear. We show that SIRS triggered by pathogen mimics or malaria infection leads to functional paralysis of conventional dendritic cells (cDCs). Paralysis affects several generations of cDCs and impairs immunity for 3-4 weeks. Paralyzed cDCs display distinct transcriptomic and phenotypic signatures and show impaired capacity to capture and present antigens in vivo. They also display altered cytokine production patterns upon stimulation. The paralysis program is not initiated in the bone marrow but during final cDC differentiation in peripheral tissues under the influence of local secondary signals that persist after resolution of SIRS. Vaccination with monoclonal antibodies that target cDC receptors or blockade of transforming growth factor β partially overcomes paralysis and immunosuppression. This work provides insights into the mechanisms of paralysis and describes strategies to restore immunocompetence post-SIRS.

RNF41 regulates the damage recognition receptor Clec9A and antigen cross-presentation in mouse dendritic cells

The dendritic cell receptor Clec9A facilitates processing of dead cell-derived antigens for cross-presentation and the induction of effective CD8⁺ T cell immune responses. Here, we show that this process is regulated by E3 ubiquitin ligase RNF41 and define a new ubiquitin-mediated mechanism for regulation of Clec9A, reflecting the unique properties of Clec9A as a receptor specialized for delivery of antigens for cross-presentation. We reveal RNF41 is a negative regulator of Clec9A and the cross-presentation of dead cell-derived antigens by mouse dendritic cells. Intriguingly, RNF41 regulates the downstream fate of Clec9A by directly binding and ubiquitinating the extracellular domains of Clec9A. At steady-state, RNF41 ubiquitination of Clec9A facilitates interactions with ER-associated proteins and degradation machinery to control Clec9A levels. However, Clec9A interactions are altered following dead cell uptake to favor antigen presentation. These findings provide important insights into antigen cross-presentation and have implications for development of approaches to modulate immune responses.

Display of Native Antigen on cDC1 That Have Spatial Access to Both T and B Cells Underlies Efficient Humoral Vaccination

Follicular dendritic cells and macrophages have been strongly implicated in presentation of native Ag to B cells. This property has also occasionally been attributed to conventional dendritic cells (cDC) but is generally masked by their essential role in T cell priming. cDC can be divided into two main subsets, cDC1 and cDC2, with recent evidence suggesting that cDC2 are primarily responsible for initiating B cell and T follicular helper responses. This conclusion is, however, at odds with evidence that targeting Ag to Clec9A (DNGR1), expressed by cDC1, induces strong humoral responses. In this study, we reveal that murine cDC1 interact extensively with B cells at the border of B cell follicles and, when Ag is targeted to Clec9A, can display native Ag for B cell activation. This leads to efficient induction of humoral immunity. Our findings indicate that surface display of native Ag on cDC with access to both T and B cells is key to efficient humoral vaccination.

Dendritic cell development: A personal historical perspective

Dendritic cells(DCs) were once considered as a single cell type closely related developmentally to macrophages. Now we recognise several subtypes of DCs and have outlined several different pathways that potentially lead to their development. This article outlines some of the research findings that led to these changes in perspective, from the point of view of one of the participants.

Targeting CLEC9A delivers antigen to human CD141+ DC for CD4+ and CD8+T cell recognition

DC-based vaccines that initiate T cell responses are well tolerated and have demonstrated efficacy for tumor immunotherapy, with the potential to be combined with other therapies. Targeting vaccine antigens (Ag) directly to the DCs in vivo is more effective than cell-based therapies in mouse models and is therefore a promising strategy to translate to humans. The human CD141⁺ DCs are considered the most clinically relevant for initiating CD8⁺ T cell responses critical for killing tumors or infected cells, and they specifically express the C-type lectin-like receptor CLEC9A that facilitates presentation of Ag by these DCs. We have therefore developed a human chimeric Ab that specifically targets CLEC9A on CD141⁺ DCs in vitro and in vivo. These human chimeric Abs are highly effective at delivering Ag to DCs for recognition by both CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells. Given the importance of these cellular responses for antitumor or antiviral immunity, and the superior specificity of anti-CLEC9A Abs for this DC subset, this approach warrants further development for vaccines.

IL-12p40/IL-10 Producing preCD8α/Clec9A+ Dendritic Cells Are Induced in Neonates upon Listeria monocytogenes Infection

Infection by Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) causes serious sepsis and meningitis leading to mortality in neonates. This work explored the ability of CD11c^high lineage DCs to induce CD8⁺ T-cell immune protection against Lm in mice before 7 days of life, a period symbolized by the absence of murine IL-12p70-producing CD11c^highCD8α⁺ dendritic cells (DCs). We characterized a dominant functional Batf3-dependent precursor of CD11c^high DCs that is Clec9A⁺CD205⁺CD24⁺ but CD8α^- at 3 days of life. After Lm-OVA infection, these pre-DCs that cross-present Ag display the unique ability to produce high levels of IL-12p40 (not IL-12p70 nor IL-23), which enhances OVA-specific CD8⁺ T cell response, and regulatory IL-10 that limits OVA-specific CD8⁺ T cell response. Targeting these neonatal pre-DCs for the first time with a single treatment of anti-Clec9A-OVA antibody in combination with a DC activating agent such as poly(I:C) increased the protection against later exposure to the Lm-OVA strain. Poly(I:C) was shown to induce IL-12p40 production, but not IL-10 by neonatal pre-DCs. In conclusion, we identified a new biologically active precursor of Clec9A⁺ CD8α^- DCs, endowed with regulatory properties in early life that represents a valuable target to augment memory responses to vaccines.

Lm is a gram-positive food-borne pathogen that is the ethiological agent of listeriosis, a worldwide disease reported most frequently in developed countries. It can cause spontaneous septic abortions, fatal meningitis or encephalitis in immunocompromised and pregnant individuals. The murine model of systemic Lm infection has been demonstrated as a useful model to understand host resistance to intracellular pathogens. Neonates are highly susceptible to infections such as Lm, and display low responses to vaccines requiring IFN-γ producing T cells. In the present study, we characterized in murine neonates a precursor of conventional dendritic cells that is able to produce IL-12p40 and IL-10 cytokines and to modulate the development of the adaptive immune response, more particularly the CD8⁺ T cell response upon exposure to Lm. By targeting Lm-associated antigens to these conventional dendritic cell precursors in neonates, we succeeded to confer a partial protection to a lethal dose of Lm at the adult stage. Our study provides new insights into our understanding of the innate immune response to infections in early life and will help to design new vaccine strategies in newborns.

Antibodies targeting Clec9A promote strong humoral immunity without adjuvant in mice and non-human primates

Targeting antigens to dendritic cell (DC) surface receptors using antibodies has been successfully used to generate strong immune responses and is currently in clinical trials for cancer immunotherapy. Whilst cancer immunotherapy focuses on the induction of CD8(+) T-cell responses, many successful vaccines to pathogens or their toxins utilize humoral immunity as the primary effector mechanism. Universally, these approaches have used adjuvants or pathogen material that augment humoral responses. However, adjuvants are associated with safety issues. One approach, successfully used in the mouse, to generate strong humoral responses in the absence of adjuvant is to target antigen to Clec9A, also known as DNGR-1, a receptor on CD8α(+) DCs. Here, we address two issues relating to clinical application. First, we address the issue of variable adjuvant-dependence for different antibodies targeting mouse Clec9A. We show that multiple sites on Clec9A can be successfully targeted, but that strong in vivo binding and provision of suitable helper T cell determinants was essential for efficacy. Second, we show that induction of humoral immunity to CLEC9A-targeted antigens is extremely effective in nonhuman primates, in an adjuvant-free setting. Our findings support extending this vaccination approach to humans and offer important insights into targeting design.

NOD mice are functionally deficient in the capacity of cross-presentation

Cross-presentation by CD8(+) conventional dendritic cells (cDCs) is involved in the maintenance of peripheral tolerance and this process is termed cross-tolerance. Previous reports showed that non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice have reduced number of splenic CD8(+) cDCs compared with non-diabetic strains, and that the administration of Flt3L to enhance DC development resulted in reduced diabetes incidence. As CD8(+) cDCs are the most efficient antigen cross-presenting cells, it was assumed that reduced cross-presentation by non-activated, tolerogenic CD8(+) cDC predisposes to autoimmune diabetogenesis. Here we show for the first time that indeed NOD mice have a defect in autoantigen cross-presentation capacity. First, we showed that NOD CD8(+) cDCs were less sensitive to iatrogenic cytochrome c, which had previously been shown to selectively deplete CD8(+) cDCs that functionally cross-present. Second, we found that proliferation of islet-specific glucose-6-phosphatase catalytic subunit-related protein (IGRP)-specific CD8(+) T cells was impaired in NOD compared with non-obese diabetes resistant mice after immunization with cell associated recombinant fusion protein containing the cognate IGRP peptide. This study, therefore, suggests that the reduced number of CD8(+) cDCs in NOD mice, coupled with the reduced capacity to cross-present self-antigens, reduces the overall capacity to maintain peripheral tolerance in the spontaneous autoimmune type 1 diabetes mice.

Apics deficiency reveals a role for a long noncoding RNA in dendritic cell function and autoimmunity (BA3P.203)

Although in vitro observations indicate that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) regulate innate immune responses, their effect upon immune tolerance in vivo has not been defined. We have identified a novel gene of unknown function for which sequence variation is associated with autoimmune diabetes in the nonobese diabetic (NOD) mouse strain. Bioinformatics and expression analyses indicate this gene encodes a lncRNA that is induced by Toll-like receptor (TLR) activation, localizes to the nucleus and cytoplasm of dendritic cells, and binds to proteins within these cellular compartments. Moreover, sequence variation for this gene is associated with altered TLR-mediated cytokine production. Hence this gene was named Apics for Attenuator of Pattern recognition receptor-Induced Cytokine Secretion. To further investigate the function of this lncRNA, we established a C57BL/6 (B6) knockout mouse strain for Apics and discovered that Apics-deficient dendritic cells exhibit enhanced TLR-mediated cytokine production. Apics-deficient B6 mice also exhibit increased susceptibility to autoimmunity in two disease models: experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis and experimental anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis. Our study suggests that lncRNAs, such as Apics, can serve as TLR-inducible repressors that regulate the magnitude of innate immune responses to reduce the risk for developing autoimmune disease.

GM-CSF-responsive monocyte-derived dendritic cells are pivotal in Th17 pathogenesis

Although multiple dendritic cell (DC) subsets have the potential to induce Th17 differentiation in vitro, the key DC that is critical in Th17 induction and Th17-mediated disease remains moot. In this study, we revealed that CCR2(+) monocyte-derived DCs (moDCs), but not conventional DCs, were critical for in vivo Th17 induction and autoimmune inflammation. Functional comparison in vitro indicated that moDCs are the most potent type of Th17-inducing DCs compared with conventional DCs and plasmacytoid DCs. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the importance of GM-CSF in Th17 induction and Th17-mediated disease is its endowment of moDCs to induce Th17 differentiation in vivo, although it has little effect on moDC numbers. Our findings identify the in vivo cellular targets that can be selectively manipulated to ameliorate Th17-mediated inflammatory diseases, as well as the mechanism of GM-CSF antagonism in such diseases.

FLT3-ligand treatment of humanized mice results in the generation of large numbers of CD141+ and CD1c+ dendritic cells in vivo

We established a humanized mouse model incorporating FLT3-ligand (FLT3-L) administration after hematopoietic cell reconstitution to investigate expansion, phenotype, and function of human dendritic cells (DC). FLT3-L increased numbers of human CD141(+) DC, CD1c(+) DC, and, to a lesser extent, plasmacytoid DC (pDC) in the blood, spleen, and bone marrow of humanized mice. CD1c(+) DC and CD141(+) DC subsets were expanded to a similar degree in blood and spleen, with a bias toward expansion of the CD1c(+) DC subset in the bone marrow. Importantly, the human DC subsets generated after FLT3-L treatment of humanized mice are phenotypically and functionally similar to their human blood counterparts. CD141(+) DC in humanized mice express C-type lectin-like receptor 9A, XCR1, CADM1, and TLR3 but lack TLR4 and TLR9. They are major producers of IFN-λ in response to polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid but are similar to CD1c(+) DC in their capacity to produce IL-12p70. Although all DC subsets in humanized mice are efficient at presenting peptide to CD8(+) T cells, CD141(+) DC are superior in their capacity to cross-present protein Ag to CD8(+) T cells following activation with polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid. CD141(+) DC can be targeted in vivo following injection of Abs against human DEC-205 or C-type lectin-like receptor 9A. This model provides a feasible and practical approach to dissect the function of human CD141(+) and CD1c(+) DC and evaluate adjuvants and DC-targeting strategies in vivo.

Evolution of B cell responses to Clec9A-targeted antigen

The response of B cells to Ag targeted to Clec9A on dendritic cells was followed using the hapten nitrophenol (NP) conjugated to rat Ig carrier. Injection of small amounts of NP conjugated to anti-Clec9A in the absence of adjuvants gave high and very prolonged Ab responses, approaching those obtained by high doses of nontargeted NP-protein conjugates with alum adjuvant. The response to NP-anti-Clec9A included the transient formation of germinal centers, maturation of Ab affinity, and some memory B cell formation. Serum Ab titers remained high 35 wk postimmunization, well after the initial follicular response had faded. The results suggest Clec9A-targeting strategies for improving Ab responses to vaccine Ags.

Development of antigen cross-presentation capacity in dendritic cells

Cross-presentation by dendritic cells (DCs) of exogenous antigens on MHC class I is important for the generation of immune responses to intracellular pathogens, as well as for maintenance of self tolerance. In mice, the CD8(+) DC lineage is specialised for this role. However, DCs of this lineage are not born with cross-presentation capacity. Several studies have demonstrated that it must be induced as a later developmental step by cytokines such as granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), or by microbial products such as toll-like receptor (TLR) ligands. Increased cross-presentation capacity is thus induced in peripheral CD8 lineage DCs during inflammation or infection. However, this capacity is already fully developed in steady-state thymic CD8(+) DCs, in accordance with their role in the deletion of self-reactive developing T cells.

The dendritic cell receptor Clec9A binds damaged cells via exposed actin filaments

The immune system must distinguish viable cells from cells damaged by physical and infective processes. The damaged cell-recognition molecule Clec9A is expressed on the surface of the mouse and human dendritic cell subsets specialized for the uptake and processing of material from dead cells. Clec9A recognizes a conserved component within nucleated and nonnucleated cells, exposed when cell membranes are damaged. We have identified this Clec9A ligand as a filamentous form of actin in association with particular actin-binding domains of cytoskeletal proteins. We have determined the crystal structure of the human CLEC9A C-type lectin domain and propose a functional dimeric structure with conserved tryptophans in the ligand recognition site. Mutation of these residues ablated CLEC9A binding to damaged cells and to the isolated ligand complexes. We propose that Clec9A provides targeted recruitment of the adaptive immune system during infection and can also be utilized to enhance immune responses generated by vaccines.

Antibody responses initiated by Clec9A-bearing dendritic cells in normal and Batf3(-/-) mice

Injection of antigens coupled to antibodies against the dendritic cell (DC) surface molecule Clec9A has been shown to produce strongly enhanced antibody responses even without co-administration of adjuvants, via antigen presentation by DC on MHC class II and consequent production of follicular helper T cells. A series of mutant mice were tested to determine the DC subtypes responsible for this MHC II presentation of targeted antigen, compared to presentation of antigen on MHC I. A new clec9A null mouse was developed; these mice did not give enhanced antibody production, confirming the response was dependent on Clec9A-expressing DC. However targeting of antigen to Clec9A in batf3 null mice produced enhanced antibody responses despite the marked reduction in CD8(+) DC, the major Clec9A-expressing DC subtype. This was shown to be dependent on efficient MHC II presentation by minor Clec9A-expressing DC subtypes in the environment of the Batf3(-/-) mice, namely early cells of the CD8 DC lineage and the plasmacytoid-related CD8(+) DC subset, but not by plasmacytoid cells themselves. However in normal mice most MHC II presentation of the Clec9A-targeted antigen was by the major CD8(+) DC population, the DC also responsible for presentation on MHC I.

Boosting antibody responses by targeting antigens to dendritic cells

Delivering antigens directly to dendritic cells (DCs) in situ, by injecting antigens coupled to antibodies specific for DC surface molecules, is a promising strategy for enhancing vaccine efficacy. Enhanced cytotoxic T cell responses are obtained if an adjuvant is co-administered to activate the DC. Such DC targeting is also effective at enhancing humoral immunity, via the generation of T follicular helper cells. Depending on the DC surface molecule targeted, antibody production can be enhanced even in the absence of adjuvants. In the case of Clec9A as the DC surface target, enhanced antibody production is a consequence of the DC-restricted expression of the target molecule. Few other cells absorb the antigen-antibody construct, therefore, it persists in the bloodstream, allowing sustained antigen presentation, even by non-activated DCs.

CD103+ pulmonary dendritic cells preferentially acquire and present apoptotic cell-associated antigen

CD103-expressing dendritic cells in the lungs preferentially take up and cross-present antigen from apoptotic cells.

Cells undergoing programmed cell death (apoptosis) are removed in situ by macrophages and dendritic cells (DCs) through a specialized form of phagocytosis (efferocytosis). In the lung, there are two primary DC subsets with the potential to migrate to the local lymph nodes (LNs) and initiate adaptive immune responses. In this study, we show that only CD103⁺ DCs were able to acquire and transport apoptotic cells to the draining LNs and cross present apoptotic cell–associated antigen to CD8 T cells. In contrast, both the CD11b^hi and the CD103⁺ DCs were able to ingest and traffic latex beads or soluble antigen. CD103⁺ DCs selectively exhibited high expression of TLR3, and ligation of this receptor led to enhanced in vivo cytotoxic T cell responses to apoptotic cell–associated antigen. The selective role for CD103⁺ DCs was confirmed in Batf3^−/− mice, which lack this DC subtype. Our findings suggest that CD103⁺ DCs are the DC subset in the lung that captures and presents apoptotic cell–associated antigen under homeostatic and inflammatory conditions and raise the possibility for more focused immunological targeting to CD8 T cell responses.

Targeting antigen to mouse dendritic cells via Clec9A induces potent CD4 T cell responses biased toward a follicular helper phenotype

Three surface molecules of mouse CD8(+) dendritic cells (DCs), also found on the equivalent human DC subpopulation, were compared as targets for Ab-mediated delivery of Ags, a developing strategy for vaccination. For the production of cytotoxic T cells, DEC-205 and Clec9A, but not Clec12A, were effective targets, although only in the presence of adjuvants. For Ab production, however, Clec9A excelled as a target, even in the absence of adjuvant. Potent humoral immunity was a result of the highly specific expression of Clec9A on DCs, which allowed longer residence of targeting Abs in the bloodstream, prolonged DC Ag presentation, and extended CD4 T cell proliferation, all of which drove highly efficient development of follicular helper T cells. Because Clec9A shows a similar expression pattern on human DCs, it has particular promise as a target for vaccines of human application.

Type I interferon drives dendritic cell apoptosis via multiple BH3-only proteins following activation by PolyIC in vivo

Background

DC are activated by pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), and this is pivotal for the induction of adaptive immune responses. Thereafter, the clearance of activated DC is crucial to prevent immune pathology. While PAMPs are of major interest for vaccine science due to their adjuvant potential, it is unclear whether and how PAMPs may affect DC viability. We aimed to elucidate the possible apoptotic mechanisms that control activated DC lifespan in response to PAMPs, particularly in vivo.

Methodology/Principal Findings

We report that polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (PolyIC, synthetic analogue of dsRNA) induces dramatic apoptosis of mouse splenic conventional DC (cDC) in vivo, predominantly affecting the CD8α subset, as shown by flow cytometry-based analysis of splenic DC subsets. Importantly, while Bim deficiency conferred only minor protection, cDC depletion was prevented in mice lacking Bim plus one of three other BH3-only proteins, either Puma, Noxa or Bid. Furthermore, we show that Type I Interferon (IFN) is necessary and sufficient for DC death both in vitro and in vivo, and that TLR3 and MAVS co-operate in IFNß production in vivo to induce DC death in response to PolyIC.

Conclusions/Significance

These results demonstrate for the first time in vivo that apoptosis restricts DC lifespan following activation by PolyIC, particularly affecting the CD8α cDC subset. Such DC apoptosis is mediated by the overlapping action of pro-apoptotic BH3-only proteins, including but not solely involving Bim, and is driven by Type I IFN. While Type I IFNs are important anti-viral factors, CD8α cDC are major cross-presenting cells and critical inducers of CTL. We discuss such paradoxical finding on DC death with PolyIC/Type I IFN. These results could contribute to understand immunosuppression associated with chronic infection, and to the optimization of DC-based therapies and the clinical use of PAMPs and Type I IFNs.

Murine CD8α+ DCs and human BDCA3+ DCs produce large amounts of IFN-λ in response to poly IC and DNA viruses (154.6)

Dendritic cells (DCs) can be segregated into various subsets based on phenotypic and functional differences. Whereas plasmacytoid DCs are known for their type I interferon (IFN) producing capacity, conventional (c) DCs are better known for their roles in T cell homeostasis and priming. Among cDCs the CD8α+ subset is especially efficient in producing IL-12p70 and the induction of immunity against various pathogens and cancer. Here, we reveal a new hallmark function of murine CD8α+ cDCs and their human BDCA3+ counterparts, namely the production of large amounts of IFN-lambda (IFN-λ, also termed IL-28/29) upon stimulation with poly IC. IFN-lambdas are potent immunomodulatory and antiviral cytokines. We demonstrate that the production of IFN-λ upon poly IC injection in vivo depends on hematopoietic cells and the presence of toll-like receptor (TLR)3, interferon regulatory factor (IRF)3, IRF7, IFN-IR, Fms-related tyrosine kinase 3 ligand (FL) and IRF8 but not on myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88), Rig like helicases or lymphocytes. Furthermore, we show that both CD8α+ cDCs and plasmacytoid DCs produce large amounts of IFN-λ in response to HSV-1 or parapoxvirus. Thus, IFN-λ production in response to poly IC is a novel hallmark function of mouse CD8α+ cDCs and their human equivalents.

The acquisition of antigen cross-presentation function by newly formed dendritic cells

The development of Ag-presenting functions by murine dendritic cells (DCs) of the CD8(+) DC lineage was studied using a Flt-3 ligand stimulated bone-marrow culture system. Although newly formed DCs of this lineage are capable of Ag uptake and efficient presentation to T cells on MHC class II, they initially lack the ability to cross-present exogenous Ags on MHC class I. Cross-presentation capacity is acquired as a subsequent maturation step, promoted by cytokines such as GM-CSF. The development of cross-presentation capacity by the DCs in these cultures may be monitored by the parallel development of DC surface expression of CD103. However, the expression of CD103 and cross-presentation capacity are not always linked; therefore, CD103 is not an essential part of the cross-presentation machinery. These results explain the considerable variability in CD103 expression by CD8(+) DCs as well as the findings that not all DCs of this lineage are capable of cross-presentation.

Mouse CD8alpha+ DCs and human BDCA3+ DCs are major producers of IFN-lambda in response to poly IC

Polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (poly IC), a double-stranded RNA, is an effective adjuvant in vivo. IFN-λs (also termed IL-28/29) are potent immunomodulatory and antiviral cytokines. We demonstrate that poly IC injection in vivo induces large amounts of IFN-λ, which depended on hematopoietic cells and the presence of TLR3 (Toll-like receptor 3), IRF3 (IFN regulatory factor 3), IRF7, IFN-I receptor, Fms-related tyrosine kinase 3 ligand (FL), and IRF8 but not on MyD88 (myeloid differentiation factor 88), Rig-like helicases, or lymphocytes. Upon poly IC injection in vivo, the IFN-λ production by splenocytes segregated with cells phenotypically resembling CD8α(+) conventional dendritic cells (DCs [cDCs]). In vitro experiments revealed that CD8α(+) cDCs were the major producers of IFN-λ in response to poly IC, whereas both CD8α(+) cDCs and plasmacytoid DCs produced large amounts of IFN-λ in response to HSV-1 or parapoxvirus. The nature of the stimulus and the cytokine milieu determined whether CD8α(+) cDCs produced IFN-λ or IL-12p70. Human DCs expressing BDCA3 (CD141), which is considered to be the human counterpart of murine CD8α(+) DCs, also produced large amounts of IFN-λ upon poly IC stimulation. Thus, IFN-λ production in response to poly IC is a novel function of mouse CD8α(+) cDCs and their human equivalents.

Found in translation: the human equivalent of mouse CD8+ dendritic cells

The murine dendritic cell network comprises multiple subsets with distinct functions, but few of their human counterparts have been described. New data now reveals the likely human equivalent of the mouse DC subset specialized in cross-presentation.

Factors determining the spontaneous activation of splenic dendritic cells in culture

Dendritic cells (DCs) serve as a link between the innate and adaptive immune systems. The activation state of DCs is crucial in this role. However, when DCs are isolated from lymphoid tissues, purified and placed in culture they undergo 'spontaneous' activation. The basis of this was explored, using up-regulation of DC surface MHC II, CD40, CD80 and CD86 as indicators of DC activation. No evidence was found for DC damage during isolation or for microbial products causing the activation. The culture activation of spleen DCs differed from that of Langerhans cells when released from E-cadherin-mediated adhesions, since E-cadherin was not detected and activation still occurred with β-catenin null DCs. Much of the activation could be attributed to DC-DC interactions. Although increases in surface MHC II levels occurred under all culture conditions tested, the increase in expression of CD40, CD80 and CD86 was much less under culture conditions where such interactions were minimised. DC-to-DC contact under the artificial conditions of high DC concentration in culture induced the production of soluble factors and these, in turn, induced the up-regulation of co-stimulatory molecules on the DC surface.

The CD8+ dendritic cell subset

Mouse lymphoid tissues contain a subset of dendritic cells (DCs) expressing CD8 alpha together with a pattern of other surface molecules that distinguishes them from other DCs. These molecules include particular Toll-like receptor and C-type lectin pattern recognition receptors. A similar DC subset, although lacking CD8 expression, exists in humans. The mouse CD8(+) DCs are non-migrating resident DCs derived from a precursor, distinct from monocytes, that continuously seeds the lymphoid organs from bone marrow. They differ in several key functions from their CD8(-) DC neighbors. They efficiently cross-present exogenous cell-bound and soluble antigens on major histocompatibility complex class I. On activation, they are major producers of interleukin-12 and stimulate inflammatory responses. In steady state, they have immune regulatory properties and help maintain tolerance to self-tissues. During infection with intracellular pathogens, they become major presenters of pathogen antigens, promoting CD8(+) T-cell responses to the invading pathogens. Targeting vaccine antigens to the CD8(+) DCs has proved an effective way to induce cytotoxic T lymphocytes and antibody responses.

Regeneration of dendritic cells in aged mice

Age-related thymic involution causes a decreased output of thymocytes from the thymus, thereby resulting in impairment of T cell-mediated immunity. While alterations in the T cell and non-haematopoietic stromal compartments have been described, the effects of thymic involution on thymic dendritic cells (DC) are not clearly known. Thymic DC play an essential role in shaping T cell-mediated immune responses by deleting self-reactive thymocytes to establish central tolerance and by inducing regulatory T-cell (Treg) development. It is therefore important to assess the prevalence of and alterations to thymic DC with age, as this may impact on their function. We assessed the numbers and proportions of the three distinct subsets of thymic DC in ageing mice, and showed that these subsets are differentially regulated. This is expected as thymic DC subsets have different origins of development. We further assessed the responses of thymic DC in a regenerative environment, such as that induced by sex-steroid ablation (SSA), and clearly showed that, consistent with global thymus regrowth, all three DC populations increased in numbers and regained their relative proportions to thymocytes after an initial lag period. These findings are important for the clinical translation of thymic regenerative approaches, and indicate that SSA facilitates the maintenance of critical processes such as negative selection and Treg induction through promoting thymic DC regeneration.

Enhancing immune responses by targeting antigen to DC

mAb that recognise various cell surface receptors have been used to deliver antigen to DC and thereby elicit immune responses. The encouraging data obtained in mouse models suggests that this immunisation strategy is efficient and could lead to clinical trials. We discuss a number of issues pertinent to this vaccination approach. These include which molecules are the best targets for delivering antigen to DC, which DC subtypes should be targeted, the types of immune responses to be generated and whether additional adjuvants are required. Finally, we discuss some progress towards targeting antigen to human DC.

Improving vaccines by targeting antigens to dendritic cells

A new approach to enhancing the effectiveness of vaccines is to deliver antigens selectively to dendritic cells (DC) in situ, via monoclonal antibodies specific for particular DC surface molecules. This can markedly enhance CTL responses and, via helper T cells, also enhance antibody responses. DC activation agents or adjuvants must also be administered for effective CTL responses, but in some cases good antibody responses can be obtained without adjuvants. Here we review the role of different DC subsets and different DC target molecules in obtaining enhanced immune responses.

Cross-presentation of viral and self antigens by skin-derived CD103+ dendritic cells

Skin-derived dendritic cells (DCs) include Langerhans cells, classical dermal DCs and a langerin-positive CD103(+) dermal subset. We examined their involvement in the presentation of skin-associated viral and self antigens. Only the CD103(+) subset efficiently presented antigens of herpes simplex virus type 1 to naive CD8(+) T cells, although all subsets presented these antigens to CD4(+) T cells. This showed that CD103(+) DCs were the migratory subset most efficient at processing viral antigens into the major histocompatibility complex class I pathway, potentially through cross-presentation. This was supported by data showing only CD103(+) DCs efficiently cross-presented skin-derived self antigens. This indicates CD103(+) DCs are the main migratory subtype able to cross-present viral and self antigens, which identifies another level of specialization for skin DCs.

The steady-state development of splenic dendritic cells

Dendritic cells (DCs) are a heterogenous population of cells that can be grouped into the conventional DCs (cDCs) and plasmacytoid DCs (pDCs), or interferon-producing cells. pDCs are thought to develop in the bone marrow and migrate to the periphery as mature cells. In contrast, cDC precursors are thought to migrate to the periphery, where they further differentiate into cDCs. In the case of migratory cDCs, these precursors are thought to be monocytes, whereas resident cDCs derive from a different precursor. Recent activity on this subject has shed some light on the precursors that differentiate into resident cDCs and pDCs, but often with conflicting findings. Here, we review some of these findings and discuss some of the outstanding issues in the field.

The isolation and identification of murine dendritic cell populations from lymphoid tissues and their production in culture

Dendritic cells (DC) are widely regarded as the most potent cellular inducers of the adaptive immune response; so, immunotherapy through DC manipulation is a promising option in the future fight against many human ailments. We have developed a method of isolating DC from the mouse that involves efficient extraction from tissues, followed by the selection of the lightest density cells, then depletion of non-DC through a cocktail of monoclonal antibodies and anti-immunoglobulin magnetic beads. Finally, purification and segregation into DC subtypes is achieved by immunofluorescent labeling and sorting. This has demonstrated a network of DC populations differing in surface phenotype and function. We can now produce larger numbers of many of these DC subpopulations from their precursors using bone marrow cultures supplemented with fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 ligand (Flt3L). The culture-generated DC can be aligned with the populations directly isolated from tissues. Combining the in vivo and in vitro systems will make study of murine DC and their alignment to their human counterparts an easier break process.

Skin-derived dendritic cells can mediate deletional tolerance of class I-restricted self-reactive T cells

Skin-draining lymph nodes contain a number of dendritic cell (DC) subsets of different origins. Some of these are migratory, such as the skin-derived epidermal Langerhans cells and a separate dermal DC subset, whereas others are lymphoid resident in nature, such as the CD8+ DCs found throughout the lymphoid tissues. In this study, we examine the DC subset presentation of skin-derived self-Ag by migratory and lymphoid-resident DCs, both in the steady state and under conditions of local skin infection. We show that presentation of self-Ag is confined to skin-derived migrating DCs in both settings. Steady state presentation resulted in deletional T cell tolerance despite these DCs expressing a relatively mature phenotype as measured by traditional markers such as the level of MHC class II and CD86 expression. Thus, self-Ag can be carried to the draining lymph nodes by skin-derived DCs and there presented by these same cells for tolerization of the circulating T cell pool.

Putative IKDCs are functionally and developmentally similar to natural killer cells, but not to dendritic cells

Interferon-producing killer dendritic cells (IKDCs) have been described as possessing the lytic potential of NK cells and the antigen-presenting capacity of dendritic cells (DCs). In this study, we examine the lytic function and antigen-presenting capacity of mouse spleen IKDCs, including those found in DC preparations. IKDCs efficiently killed NK cell targets, without requiring additional activation stimuli. However, in our hands, when exposed to protein antigen or to MHC class II peptide, IKDCs induced little or no T cell proliferation relative to conventional DCs or plasmacytoid DCs, either before or after activation with CpG, or in several disease models. Certain developmental features indicated that IKDCs resembled NK cells more than DCs. IKDCs, like NK cells, did not express the transcription factor PU.1 and were absent from recombinase activating gene-2–null, common γ-chain–null (Rag2^−/−Il2rg^−/−) mice. When cultured with IL-15 and -18, IKDCs proliferated extensively, like NK cells. Under these conditions, a proportion of expanded IKDCs and NK cells expressed high levels of surface MHC class II. However, even such MHC class II⁺ IKDCs and NK cells induced poor T cell proliferative responses compared with DCs. Thus, IKDCs resemble NK cells functionally, and neither cell type could be induced to be effective antigen-presenting cells.

Development of plasmacytoid and conventional dendritic cell subtypes from single precursor cells derived in vitro and in vivo

The development of functionally specialized subtypes of dendritic cells (DCs) can be modeled through the culture of bone marrow with the ligand for the cytokine receptor Flt3. Such cultures produce DCs resembling spleen plasmacytoid DCs (pDCs), CD8(+) conventional DCs (cDCs) and CD8(-) cDCs. Here we isolated two sequential DC-committed precursor cells from such cultures: dividing 'pro-DCs', which gave rise to transitional 'pre-DCs' en route to differentiating into the three distinct DC subtypes (pDCs, CD8(+) cDCs and CD8(-) cDCs). We also isolated an in vivo equivalent of the DC-committed pro-DC precursor cell, which also gave rise to the three DC subtypes. Clonal analysis of the progeny of individual pro-DC precursors demonstrated that some pro-DC precursors gave rise to all three DC subtypes, some produced cDCs but not pDCs, and some were fully committed to a single DC subtype. Thus, commitment to particular DC subtypes begins mainly at this pro-DC stage.

Heterogeneity of thymic dendritic cells

Thymus is the site of generation and selection of T-lymphocytes. It also contains phenotypically and functionally distinct dendritic cell (DC) populations, including conventional DC (cDC) and plasmacytoid DC (pDC). Thymic cDC are heterogeneous and contain two subsets: a major subset derived from the precursors within thymus, and a minor subset presumably of extrathymic origin. Increasing evidence suggest that thymic cDC can cross-present self-antigens to developing thymocytes and play an important role in thymocyte negative selection and central tolerance induction. Thymic pDC can produce type-I interferon upon appropriate activation. However, their role in a steady state thymus is currently unclear.