Concanavalin A-induced T cell responses mediated by allogeneic dendritic cells in humans

Abstract

Mononuclear cells were isolated from human peripheral blood and separated into dendritic cells (DC), macrophages (Mφ) and T cells. The role of allogeneic DC and Mφ in concanavalin A (Con A)-induced T cell responses were investigated.
In the case of Con A-stimulated T cells, only faint proliferative responses were observed. But the responses were significantly enhanced by the addition of allogeneic DC or Mφ (P<0.01 or 0.05). In particular, the addition of allogeneic DC showed a stronger proliferative response.
Con A responses were dose-dependently reduced by HLA-DR monoclonal antibodies. Therefore, it is considered that HLA-DR antigens on DC played an important role in Con A stimulated T cell responses mediated by allogeneic DC in humans.
Allogeneic DC- and Mφ-mediated Con A responses were compared with the autologous systems, and the former proliferative responses were equal to, or greater than the latter. Thus, it is considered that the accessory function of allogeneic DC and Mφ is equal to, or greater than that of the autologous systems.