RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Several studies suggest a role for dendritic cell in the pathogenesis of allergic disease. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare function and phenotype of monocyte-derived dendritic cells (MoDC) from allergic asthmatic patients and healthy control subjects. METHODS: MoDCs were developed by incubating adherent monocytes for 5 days with IL-4 and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor. Phenotype was assessed with flow cytometry, and the antigen-presenting function was assessed with the allogeneic mixed leukocyte reaction and an autologous specific antigen presentation. RESULTS: The morphology of the MoDCs was characteristic for immature dendritic cells. MoDCs from allergic asthmatic patients showed phenotypic differences in the expression of HLA-DR, CD11b, and the high-affinity receptor for IgE. A clearly enhanced accessory potential of MoDCs from atopic asthmatic patients in the mixed leukocyte reaction was also shown. Moreover, house dust mite-specific T-cell proliferation was increased. CONCLUSION: This study suggests the involvement of dendritic cells in the pathogenesis of atopic asthma by an increased immunostimulatory capacity of MoDCs.