Cellular responses to human chondrocytes: absence of allogeneic responses in the presence of HLA-DR and ICAM-1.
To assess the accessory cell function of human articular chondrocytes, we assessed the ability of human chondrocytes to stimulate allogeneic peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and to support phytohaemagglutinin (PHA)-induced proliferation of highly purified T cells. We also examined the surface expression of HLA-DR and ICAM-1 on the chondrocytes both unstimulated and stimulated with cytokines in vitro. Chondrocytes failed to stimulate allogeneic PBMC despite the constitutive expression of MHC class I molecules and the cytokine-induced expression of class II molecules but were able to support T cell proliferation to PHA, IFN-gamma and to a limited extent, IL-1 beta, induced class II expression on chondrocytes. ICAM-1 was present on 94-99% of freshly isolated cells; this declined with culture (17-59%; P < 0.005) but was readily induced by IFN-gamma, IL-1 beta, and tumour necrosis factor-alpha. Alloreactivity and, presumably, autoreactivity to chondrocytes requires factors in addition to the surface expression of DR and ICAM-1. However the presence of these molecules suggests a capacity for cell-cell interactions in inflammatory sites such as the cartilage pannus junction.
Rheumatology Unit, United Medical School, Guy's Hospital, London, UK.
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P
Jobanputra
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V
Corrigall
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Kingsley
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G
Panayi
D000938:Antigen-Presenting Cells / Q000276:immunology; D015703:Antigens, CD / Q000032:analysis; D000954:Antigens, Surface / Q000032:analysis; D018821:CD18 Antigens; D002358:Cartilage, Articular / Q000276:immunology*; D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules / Q000276:immunology*; D016207:Cytokines / Q000494:pharmacology; D006684:HLA-DR Antigens / Q000276:immunology*; D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007111:Immunity, Cellular; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D016023:Integrins / Q000032:analysis; D018799:Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology
D015703:Antigens, CD; D000954:Antigens, Surface; D018821:CD18 Antigens; D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules; D016207:Cytokines; D006684:HLA-DR Antigens; D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I; D016023:Integrins; D018799:Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1