Antigen presentation by a continuous human microvascular endothelial cell line, HMEC-1, to human T cells.
Endothelial cells line the vessels and lymphatics of the body, acting as a barrier between the blood and extravascular tissue. These cells are, therefore, in a prime position to play a role in lymphocyte activation. Indeed, it has been shown that primary endothelial cells in culture are capable of presenting particulate and soluble antigens to T cells and that this response is not dependent on macrophages. Recently, we developed an immortalized line of human microvascular endothelial cells, CDC/EU.HMEC-1 (HMEC-1). This endothelial line has the advantage not only of being devoid of contaminating cells but also of being a continuous cell line and therefore not subject to a restricted number of useful passages. The focus of this study was to determine whether HMEC-1 cells (like primary endothelial cells) could present antigen to T cells in the absence of macrophages. We demonstrate that a cloned and purified endothelial cell line can independently provide all the necessary signals for antigen-specific T-cell activation.
Bosse
D
D
Biological Products Branch, Centers for Disease Control, Atlanta, GA 30333.
George
V
V
Candal
F J
FJ
Lawley
T J
TJ
Ades
E W
EW
D000938:Antigen-Presenting Cells / Q000276:immunology*; D000942:Antigens, Bacterial / Q000276:immunology; D002460:Cell Line; D004167:Diphtheria Toxin / Q000276:immunology; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000276:immunology*; D004768:Enterotoxins / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D013744:Tetanus Toxin / Q000276:immunology
D000942:Antigens, Bacterial; D004167:Diphtheria Toxin; D004768:Enterotoxins; D013744:Tetanus Toxin; C031818:enterotoxin B, staphylococcal