Semi-mature IL-12 secreting dendritic cells present exogenous antigen to trigger cytolytic immune responses.

Dendritic cells (DC) are candidates for antigen-presenting cells that present exogenous antigen on MHC class I molecules to cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL), a process referred to as cross-priming. We triggered interleukin (IL)-12 release from DC, which was limited to the first day after maturation induction, by a combination of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and interferon (IFN)-gamma. To stimulate T lymphocytes, we used soluble protein derived from lysis of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-transformed lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCL) or ovalbumin loaded onto DC.

Normal monocyte-derived dendritic cell function in patients with Langerhans-cell-histiocytosis.

Background: Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a histiocytic disease, characterized by the lesional accumulation of dendritic Langerhans cells together with T cells and eosinophils. The cause of this disease is unknown. Langerhans cells are bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (DCs), which can develop from CD34(+) hematopoietic progenitor cells as well as from monocytes.