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Dendritic cell function in cytomegalovirus‐infected patients with mononucleosis
Author(s) -
Frascaroli Giada,
Varani Stefania,
Mastroianni Antonio,
Britton Sven,
Gibellini Davide,
Rossini Giada,
Landini Maria P.,
SöderbergNauclér Cecilia
Publication year - 2006
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 - 10.1189/jlb.0905499
Subject(s) - biology , human cytomegalovirus , chemokine , immunology , proinflammatory cytokine , mhc class i , tumor necrosis factor alpha , major histocompatibility complex , dendritic cell , immunophenotyping , immune system , inflammation , virus , antigen
Dendritic cells (DCs) are important target cells for human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection, and the virus has been shown to hamper the differentiation and maturation pathways of these cells in vitro. In the present study, we examined the function of monocyte‐derived DCs obtained from immunocompetent individuals undergoing symptomatic HCMV infection in terms of immunophenotypic characteristics, pinocytosis, lymphocyte stimulation capacity, and cyto‐chemokine secretion in comparison with DCs obtained from healthy controls. Immature and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐stimulated DCs obtained from patients actively infected with HCMV expressed significantly lower levels of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules. The inhibition of expression of MHC class II molecules by HCMV appeared to be functionally relevant, as mature DCs obtained from patients with HCMV mononucleosis were inefficient in stimulating proliferation of allogenic lymphocytes. Finally, the pattern of cyto‐chemokines secreted by DCs obtained from patients with HCMV mononucleosis was characterized by a proinflammatory profile with an increased production of interleukin (IL)‐1β, tumor necrosis factor α, CC chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2) and CCL3, and reduced secretion of IL‐10 upon LPS stimulation. During symptomatic HCMV infection in the immunocompetent host, DCs exhibit an impaired immunophenotype and function. These effects may contribute to the viral‐induced immunomodulation, which is often observed in HCMV‐infected patients.