Aim: To find a safe and effective method of culturing dendritic cells (DCs) for clinical application by comparing the phenotype and functions of DCs in different culture mediums which are supplemented with 100 mL/L fetal bovine serum (FBS), 20 mL/L human AB serum and 10 mL/L autologous plasma.
Methods: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were induced to DCs in 100 mL/L FBS, 20 mL/L human AB serum, and 10 mL/L autologous plasma, respectively. On day 8, the purity, phenotype and antigen uptake capability of DCs were examined by flow cytometry. The mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) was detected by MTT assay.
Results: Focused on DC aggregates, DC yield, DC purity, antigen uptake capability and ability of stimulating lymphocyte proliferation, the experiments showed that those of 100 mL/L FBS culture group were better than those of 20 mL/L human AB serum and 10 mL/L autologous plasma culture groups. There was no significant difference among these three culture groups (P>0.05) except DC yield (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Autologous plasma is the best choice for DC cultivation among these three culture ways. It is a safe and efficient way for culturing DCs for clinical purpose.