Using distinct molecular signatures of human monocytes and dendritic cells to predict adjuvant activity and pyrogenicity of TLR agonists

Med Microbiol Immunol. 2008 Dec;197(4):369-79. doi: 10.1007/s00430-008-0081-6. Epub 2008 Feb 19.

Abstract

We present a systematic study that defines molecular profiles of adjuvanticity and pyrogenicity induced by agonists of human Toll-like receptor molecules in vitro. Using P(3)CSK(4), Lipid A and Poly I:C as model adjuvants we show that all three molecules enhance the expansion of IFNgamma(+)/CD4(+) T cells from their naïve precursors following priming with allogeneic DC in vitro. In contrast, co-culture of naive CD4(+) T cells with allogeneic monocytes and TLR2/TLR4 agonists only resulted in enhanced T cell proliferation. Distinct APC molecular signatures in response to each TLR agonist underline the dual effect observed on T cell responses. Using protein and gene expression assays, we show that TNF-alpha and CXCL10 represent DC-restricted molecular signatures of TLR2/TLR4 and TLR3 activation, respectively, in sharp contrast to IL-6 produced by monocytes upon stimulation with P(3)CSK(4) and Lipid A. Furthermore, although all TLR agonists are able to up-regulate proIL-1beta specific gene in both cell types, only monocyte activation with Lipid A results in detectable IL-1beta release. These molecular profiles, provide a simple screen to select new immune enhancers of human Th1 responses suitable for clinical application.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adjuvants, Immunologic / pharmacology*
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / metabolism
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Chemokine CXCL10 / immunology
  • Chemokine CXCL10 / metabolism
  • Dendritic Cells / immunology*
  • Dendritic Cells / metabolism
  • Gene Expression Profiling
  • Humans
  • Interferon-gamma / immunology
  • Interferon-gamma / metabolism
  • Interleukin-1beta / immunology
  • Interleukin-1beta / metabolism
  • Interleukin-6 / immunology
  • Interleukin-6 / metabolism
  • Lipid A / immunology
  • Lipid A / pharmacology
  • Lymphocyte Activation*
  • Monocytes / immunology*
  • Monocytes / metabolism
  • Poly I-C / immunology
  • Poly I-C / pharmacology
  • Toll-Like Receptors / agonists*
  • Toll-Like Receptors / immunology
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / immunology
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / metabolism

Substances

  • Adjuvants, Immunologic
  • CXCL10 protein, human
  • Chemokine CXCL10
  • IL6 protein, human
  • Interleukin-1beta
  • Interleukin-6
  • Lipid A
  • Toll-Like Receptors
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
  • Interferon-gamma
  • Poly I-C