Biophysical studies on the differentiation of human CD14+ monocytes into dendritic cells.
Dendritic cells (DCs), which are the most efficient antigen-presenting cells (APCs) currently known, can be derived from CD14+ monocytes (DC predecessor cells) in vitro. Immature DCs actively take up antigens and pathogens, generate major histocompatability complex-peptide complexes, and migrate from the sites of antigen acquisition to secondary lymphoid organs to become mature dendritic cells that interact with and stimulate T-lymphocytes. During this process, the cells must undergo deformation to translocate through several barriers, including the basement membrane and interstitial connective tissue in the blood vessel wall. To further understand the mechanisms of the activation of immunological responses and the migration from peripheral tissue to secondary lymphoid organs, we have applied biophysical and microrheological methods to study the development processes of DCs in vitro. The results showed that membrane fluidity, osmotic fragility, membrane viscoelastic properties, infrared spectroscopy, and cytoskeleton organization of DCs exhibit significant differences in different developmental stages.
Zeng
Zhu
Z
Department of Biophysics, Health Science Center, Peking University, Beijing, People's Republic of China.
Liu
Xiao
X
Jiang
Yuhui
Y
Wang
Guotao
G
Zhan
Jun
J
Guo
Jun
J
Yao
Weijuan
W
Sun
Dagong
D
Ka
Weibo
W
Tang
Yan
Y
Tang
Junming
J
Wen
Zongyao
Z
Chien
Shu
S