Generation of therapeutic dendritic cells and regulatory T cells for preventing allogeneic cardiac graft rejection

Clin Immunol. 2008 Jun;127(3):313-21. doi: 10.1016/j.clim.2008.01.013. Epub 2008 Mar 20.

Abstract

Tolerogenic dendritic cells (Tol-DCs) and regulatory T cells (Treg) are key factors in the induction and maintenance of transplantation tolerance. We previously demonstrated that ex vivo-isolated Tol-DCs promote Treg generation, and vice versa, in an in vitro co-culture system. Here we demonstrate the occurrence of such an immune regulatory feedback loop in vivo. Tol-DC generated in vitro by treatment with LF 15-0195 exhibited features of immature DC and express low levels of MHC class II, CD86 and CD40. These Tol-DCs were capable of augmenting CD4(+)CD25(+)CTLA4(+) and FoxP3(+) Treg cell numbers and activity in cardiac allograft recipients. On the other hand, Tol-DCs possessed an ability to generate Treg cells in vitro. The adoptive transfer of these in vitro-generated Treg cells resulted in an increase of Tol-DC in vivo, suggesting that an immune regulatory feedback loop, between Tol-DC and Treg, exists in vivo. Furthermore, the administration of in vitro-generated Tol-DCs or Treg cells prevented rejection of allografts. Co-administration of Tol-DC and Treg synergized efficacy of promoting allograft survival heart transplantation. The present study highlights the therapeutic potential of preventing allograft rejection using in vitro-generated Tol-DCs and Treg.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adoptive Transfer
  • Animals
  • B7-2 Antigen / immunology
  • B7-2 Antigen / metabolism
  • CD40 Antigens / immunology
  • CD40 Antigens / metabolism
  • Dendritic Cells / immunology*
  • Dendritic Cells / metabolism
  • Graft Rejection / immunology
  • Graft Rejection / metabolism
  • Graft Rejection / prevention & control*
  • Graft Survival
  • Guanidines / pharmacology
  • Heart Transplantation / immunology*
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class II / immunology
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class II / metabolism
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / pharmacology
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / immunology*
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / metabolism
  • Transplantation Tolerance / immunology*

Substances

  • B7-2 Antigen
  • CD40 Antigens
  • Guanidines
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class II
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • LF 150195