Differential Antigen Processing by Dendritic Cell Subsets in Vivo

TLDR

Dendritic cells present antigens to induce tolerance or immunity, yet how different DC subsets regulate antigen presentation in vivo remains poorly understood, especially given their distinct surface markers such as CD205 on CD8+ DCs and 33D1 on CD8– DCs. The study aimed to investigate antigen processing and presentation in vivo by targeting antigens to the two major DC subsets using chimeric monoclonal antibodies. Chimeric monoclonal antibodies were employed to deliver antigens specifically to CD205+ CD8+ DCs and 33D1+ CD8– DCs in vivo. Antigen processing differed intrinsically between the subsets, with CD8– DCs showing higher expression of proteins involved in MHC processing.

Abstract

Dendritic cells (DCs) process and present self and foreign antigens to induce tolerance or immunity. In vitro models suggest that induction of immunity is controlled by regulating the presentation of antigen, but little is known about how DCs control antigen presentation in vivo. To examine antigen processing and presentation in vivo, we specifically targeted antigens to two major subsets of DCs by using chimeric monoclonal antibodies. Unlike CD8 + DCs that express the cell surface protein CD205, CD8 – DCs, which are positive for the 33D1 antigen, are specialized for presentation on major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II. This difference in antigen processing is intrinsic to the DC subsets and is associated with increased expression of proteins involved in MHC processing.