Corticosteroids depress IFN-alpha-producing plasmacytoid dendritic cells in human blood.
Glucocorticoids are strongly immunosuppressive and are associated with reactivation of some intracellular infections. The plasmacytoid dendritic cell is a rare blood mononuclear cell detected through its production of IFN-alpha in response to herpes simplex virus and by surface immunophenotyping. We here report that steroid administration results in a decrease of IFN-alpha generation of approximately 25-fold, accompanied by reduction in circulating plasmacytoid dendritic cell numbers. Both parameters return to normal within days after steroid cessation.
Shodell
M
M
Section of HIV Medicine, Department of Medicine, Saint Vincents Hospital and Medical Center, New York 10011, USA.
Siegal
F P
FP
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003713:Dendritic Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D007963:Leukocytes, Mononuclear / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology*
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D016898:Interferon-alpha