CD2 distinguishes two subsets of human plasmacytoid dendritic cells with distinct phenotype and functions.
Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) are key regulators of antiviral immunity. They rapidly secrete IFN-alpha and cross-present viral Ags, thereby launching adaptive immunity. In this study, we show that activated human pDCs inhibit replication of cancer cells and kill them in a contact-dependent fashion. Expression of CD2 distinguishes two pDC subsets with distinct phenotype and function. Both subsets secrete IFN-alpha and express granzyme B and TRAIL. CD2(high) pDCs uniquely express lysozyme and can be found in tonsils and in tumors. Both subsets launch recall T cell responses. However, CD2(high) pDCs secrete higher levels of IL12p40, express higher levels of costimulatory molecule CD80, and are more efficient in triggering proliferation of naive allogeneic T cells. Thus, human blood pDCs are composed of subsets with specific phenotype and functions.
Matsui
Toshimichi
T
Baylor-National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Cooperative Center for Translational Research on Human Immunology and Biodefense, Dallas, TX 75204, USA.
Connolly
John E
JE
Michnevitz
Mark
M
Chaussabel
Damien
D
Yu
Chun-I
CI
Glaser
Casey
C
Tindle
Sasha
S
Pypaert
Marc
M
Freitas
Heidi
H
Piqueras
Bernard
B
Banchereau
Jacques
J
Palucka
A Karolina
AK
D018122:B7-1 Antigen / Q000032:analysis; D018801:CD2 Antigens; D049109:Cell Proliferation; D003602:Cytotoxicity, Immunologic; D003713:Dendritic Cells / Q000166:cytology* / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D053762:Interleukin-12 Subunit p40 / Q000032:analysis; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000276:immunology; D010641:Phenotype; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology
D018122:B7-1 Antigen; D018801:CD2 Antigens; C500879:IL12B protein, human; D053762:Interleukin-12 Subunit p40