Differential regulation of CCL22 gene expression in murine dendritic cells and B cells.

The activated T cell-attracting CC chemokine CCL22 is expressed by stimulated B cells and mature dendritic cells (DC). We have cloned and sequenced the complete mouse gene, including 4 kb of the 5'-flanking promoter region, and detected two distinct sites for initiation of transcription by 5'-RACE. Reporter gene assays indicate that the promoter reflects the specificity of the endogenous gene.

The human fascin gene promoter is highly active in mature dendritic cells due to a stage-specific enhancer.

Dendritic cells (DC), regarded as the most efficient APCs of the immune system, are capable of activating naive T cells. Thus, DC are primary targets in immunotherapy. However, little is known about gene regulation in DC, and for efficient transcriptional targeting of human DC, a suitable promoter is still missing.