Induction of dendritic cell differentiation by IFN-alpha in systemic lupus erythematosus.
Dendritic cells (DCs) are important in regulating both immunity and tolerance. Hence, we hypothesized that systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), an autoimmune disease characterized by autoreactive B and T cells, may be caused by alterations in the functions of DCs. Consistent with this, monocytes from SLE patients' blood were found to function as antigen-presenting cells, in vitro. Furthermore, serum from SLE patients induced normal monocytes to differentiate into DCs. These DCs could capture antigens from dying cells and present them to CD4-positive T cells. The capacity of SLE patients' serum to induce DC differentiation correlated with disease activity and depended on the actions of interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha). Thus, unabated induction of DCs by IFN-alpha may drive the autoimmune response in SLE.
Blanco
P
P
Baylor Institute for Immunology Research, Dallas, TX 75204, USA.
Palucka
A K
AK
Gill
M
M
Pascual
V
V
Banchereau
J
J
D000293:Adolescent; D017951:Antigen Presentation; D015703:Antigens, CD / Q000032:analysis; D001772:Blood Cell Count; D015496:CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D002648:Child; D003713:Dendritic Cells / Q000166:cytology* / Q000276:immunology*; D006706:Homeostasis; D006801:Humans; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000097:blood / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000502:physiology*; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology*; D007959:Lymphocyte Culture Test, Mixed; D009000:Monocytes / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology*
D015703:Antigens, CD; D016898:Interferon-alpha