Generation and functional analysis of human TNF-α/iNOS-producing dendritic cells (Tip-DC).

Background: A unique type of CD11c(pos) dendritic cells (DC) is abundant in inflamed tissue, for example, in chronic inflammatory skin diseases. Due to their remarkable production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and inducible NO synthase (iNOS), these cells have been referred to as TNF and iNOS-producing DC (Tip-DC). While Tip-DC have been mainly characterized in murine models of infection, functional data about their human counterpart are lacking.

Systemic reduction of soluble complement receptor II/CD21 during pregnancy to levels reminiscent of autoimmune disease.

Complement receptor type II/CD21 is the functional receptor for complement fragments such as C3d, iC3b and the Epstein Barr Virus. A soluble form of CD21 (sCD21) is shed from lymphocytes surface and is able to bind to its ligands found in the plasma. The amount of sCD21 in serum may modulate immunity as the plasma levels are correlated with autoimmune conditions, such as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Rheumatoid Arthritis and Sjoegren's Syndrome.