BACKGROUND: The ability to generate dendritic cells (DCs) from precursory monocytes (MOs) was a breakthrough in the field of immunology. However, it is unknown whether the ability of MOs to differentiate into immature DCs (iDCs) differs across subjects or is time dependent. Given that the study of immune system function is gaining recognition in the field of clinical medicine, it is important to know how certain immunologic features vary over time.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study investigates how much individuals’ MO-to-iDC differentiation potential changes over time. We estimated this potential by measuring the expression of an iDC marker (CD1a), cytokine secretion (interleukin [IL]-12p70), and the ability of IL-4 and granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) differentiation MOs to stimulate T cells. We collected MOs obtained from different subjects (n=17) at least 1 month apart. Furthermore, we investigated several variables (expression for cytokine receptors, timing, and emergence of DC-related transcriptional factor PU.1).

RESULTS: The ability of MOs to become DCs under the influence of IL-4 and GM-CSF varied greatly between individuals (range of CD1a expression, 20–80%) but was stable over time (change of CD1a expression between sampling, ~5%). A similar pattern emerged when production of IL-12p70 was analyzed. The ability to stimulate T cells was variable and depended on the T-cell source. The ability of MOs to become iDCs was not linked to the surface expression of receptors for IL-4 and GM-CSF but rather to the activation of PU.1 in the precursory MO. It took 5 days for all committed MOs to become iDCs under in vitro influence of IL-4 and GM-CSF.

CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that the potential of MO to become iDC is an individual feature and depends on activation of PU.1.

Keywords: Cell Differentiation - immunology, Antigens, CD1 - immunology, Dendritic Cells - immunology, Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor - immunology, Interleukin-4 - immunology, Lymphocyte Culture Test, Mixed, Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor - immunology, Macrophages - immunology, Monocytes - immunology, T-Lymphocytes - immunology