Ligand-conjugated quantum dots monitor antigen uptake and processing by dendritic cells.
The dendritic cell (DC) specific pathogen-uptake receptor (DC-SIGN) internalizes antigens for degradation and presentation onto MHC molecules. At the cell membrane, DC-SIGN forms nanoclusters that facilitate virus capture. However, internalized viruses, such as HIV-1, escape degradation. Here, we exploit ligand-conjugated, virus-sized, highly photostable quantum dots (QDs) to monitor in living cells antigen binding, entry, and trafficking. The antigen-coated QDs specific uptake and persistence in live DCs open the possibility for tracking antigen-presenting cells in vivo.
Cambi
Alessandra
A
Department of Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Göttingen, Germany. a.cambi@ncmls.ru.nl
Lidke
Diane S
DS
Arndt-Jovin
Donna J
DJ
Figdor
Carl G
CG
Jovin
Thomas M
TM
D000941:Antigens / Q000276:immunology*; D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules / Q000276:immunology*; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D003713:Dendritic Cells / Q000166:cytology* / Q000276:immunology*; D004705:Endocytosis / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007118:Immunoassay / Q000379:methods*; D037181:Lectins, C-Type / Q000276:immunology*; D008024:Ligands; D008856:Microscopy, Fluorescence / Q000379:methods*; D045663:Quantum Dots; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface / Q000276:immunology*; D000099215:DC-Specific ICAM-3 Grabbing Nonintegrin
D000941:Antigens; D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules; D037181:Lectins, C-Type; D008024:Ligands; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface; D000099215:DC-Specific ICAM-3 Grabbing Nonintegrin