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Role of antigen‐presenting cells in cross‐priming of cytotoxic T lymphocytes by apoptotic cells
Author(s) -
Ronchetti Anna,
Iezzi Giandomenica,
Crosti Maria Cristina,
Garancini Maria Paola,
Protti Maria Pia,
Bellone Matteo
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
journal of leukocyte biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.819
H-Index - 191
eISSN - 1938-3673
pISSN - 0741-5400
DOI - 10.1002/jlb.66.2.247
Subject(s) - cytotoxic t cell , biology , antigen , antigen presentation , antigen presenting cell , immunogenicity , immunology , priming (agriculture) , major histocompatibility complex , immune system , cd40 , phagocytosis , apoptosis , microbiology and biotechnology , antigen processing , t cell , mhc class i , in vitro , biochemistry , botany , germination
Although the mechanisms regulating recognition and phagocytosis of apoptotic cells by scavenger cells are the subject of intense investigation, little is known about the fate of the antigens contained in apoptotic cells and the constraints defining their immunogenicity. We developed a model in C57BL/6 mice to evaluate whether phagocytosis of apoptotic tumor cells yielded antigens able to get access to the MHC class I pathway and activate a specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte response. Our results demonstrate that apoptotic tumor cells are antigenic in vitro and can be immunogenic in vivo. Their immunogenicity depends on the number of cells used for immunization and the antigen‐presenting cells involved in processing and presentation of antigens contained in the dying cells. The demonstration of the immunogenicity of apoptotic cells may have direct implications both in autoimmunity and cancer. J. Leukoc. Biol. 66: 247–251; 1999.