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New Research - July 2009
Plasmacytoid dendritic cells suppress the airway inflammation of asthma
The FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 ligand (Flt3L) is a growth factor that is crucial for the development of plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC). Flt3L also stimulates the expansion and differentiation of NK cells.
It has been shown that the administration of recombinant human Flt3L prior to allergen challenge in sensitized mice suppresses the development of asthma.
The authors of this investigation demonstrated that Flt3L alters the balance of "conventional to plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC) in the lung favoring the accumulation of pDC." They also found that selective removal of pDC during allergen challenge enhanced airway inflammation. On the other hand, the transfer of pDC before allergen challenge would suppress inflammation.
Interpretation of these findings indicate an immunoregulatory cell for pDC in asthmatic airway inflammation. It is suggested that "enhancing the anti-inflammatory properties of plasmacytoid dendritic cells" could be employed as a strategy for treatment.
Reference
Kool M, et al. An antiinflammatory role for plasmacytoid dendritic cells in allergic airway inflammation. Journal of Immunology 2009; 183:1074-1082.
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