Identification of a novel dendritic cell-like subset of CD64(+) / CD16(+) blood monocytes.
Human monocytes (Mo) consist of a major subset of Fcgamma-receptor I (CD64)-positive typical low accessory phagocytes, and a minor CD64(-) DC-like subset with high T cell-accessory and IFN-alpha-releasing activity. Both populations also differentially express CD16 (Fcgamma-receptor III). Double labeling with anti-CD64 and anti-CD16 mAb, as performed here, identified four different subsets. The CD64(-) subset consists of CD64(-) / 16(+) cells with high antigen-presenting cell (APC) function and macrophage-like phenotype, and a CD64(-) / 16(-) subset of less active APC but which exhibits a higher mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) stimulating and IFN-alpha-producing capacity, possibly resembling plasmacytoid dendritic cell type II (DC2) blood precursors. As well as the majority of CD64(+) cells that appeared CD64(+) / 16(-) and represent typical low-accessory, CD14(high) Mo, we could identify and describe a novel minor subset of CD64(+) / 16(+) cells which is unique in combining typical DC and Mo characteristics in the same cell. These are high IL-12 production, high accessory capacity for antigen- or allogen-activated lymphocytes, and high expression of HLA-DR, CD86, and CD11c.
Grage-Griebenow
E
E
Research Center Borstel, Department of Immunology and Cell Biology, Borstel, Germany.
Zawatzky
R
R
Kahlert
H
H
Brade
L
L
Flad
H
H
Ernst
M
M
D000938:Antigen-Presenting Cells / Q000502:physiology; D002469:Cell Separation; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D003713:Dendritic Cells / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D016130:Immunophenotyping; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000096:biosynthesis; D008070:Lipopolysaccharides / Q000494:pharmacology; D009000:Monocytes / Q000502:physiology*; D017452:Receptors, IgG / Q000032:analysis*
D016898:Interferon-alpha; D008070:Lipopolysaccharides; D017452:Receptors, IgG