Dendritic cells and IFN-alpha-producing cells are two functionally distinct non-B, non-monocytic HLA-DR+ cell subsets in human peripheral blood.
At least two distinct HLA-DR+ cell subsets lacking surface markers specific for B cells, monocytes or other known lineages are present in human peripheral blood. One subset is non-adherent to plastic, produces interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) when incubated with cytomegalovirus-infected target cells and provides an accessory function required for natural killer (NK) cell-mediated lysis of such cells. These non-adherent HLA-DR+ cells express the surface antigen recognized by antibody anti-D44 and do not stimulate mixed leucocyte reaction (MLR). The other HLA-DR+ cell subset is loosely adherent to plastic, produces only minimal levels of IFN-alpha when incubated with cytomegalovirus-infected target cells and does not provide the accessory function required for NK cell-mediated lysis of such cells. These HLA-DR+ cells stimulate a strong MLR, do not express D44 antigen and meet the criteria of dendritic cells (DC) morphologically and functionally.
Chehimi
J
J
Division of Infectious Diseases, Joseph Stokes Jr. Research Institute, Children's Hospital, Philadelphia, PA 19104.
Starr
S E
SE
Kawashima
H
H
Miller
D S
DS
Trinchieri
G
G
Perussia
B
B
Bandyopadhyay
S
S
D000938:Antigen-Presenting Cells / Q000276:immunology* / Q000502:physiology; D003601:Cytotoxicity Tests, Immunologic; D003713:Dendritic Cells / Q000502:physiology; D006684:HLA-DR Antigens / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D007370:Interferon Type I / Q000378:metabolism*; D007959:Lymphocyte Culture Test, Mixed
D006684:HLA-DR Antigens; D007370:Interferon Type I