Monocytes from systemic lupus erythematous patients are severely altered in phenotype and lineage flexibility
- Falko Steinbacha,
- Fabiola Henkeb,
- Bianca Krauseb,
- Bernhard Thieleb,
- Gerd-Rüdiger Burmesterb,
- Falk Hiepeb
- aInstitute of Virology, FU Berlin, Königin-Luise-Str 49, 14 195 Berlin, Germany, bDepartment of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité University Hospital, Humboldt University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Dr Steinbach
- Accepted 22 November 1999
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Cells of the myeloid lineage comprise a very heterogeneous population with many phenotypes and functional activities including macrophages and dendritic cells. To investigate the status, differentiative potential and lineage commitment of monocytic cells in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients, this study isolated and cultured peripheral blood monocytes from patients and healthy donors.
METHODS Monocytes were isolated by gradient centrifugation and adherence to plastic dishes. The cells were then cultured for three days, partially supplemented with GM-CSF and interleukin 4 (IL4) to obtain dendritic cells. The differentiation status was monitored by the expression of surface markers using flow cytometry and cytokine secretion.
RESULTS Monocytes from SLE patients expressed significantly lower numbers of the monocytic marker CD14 and HLA-DR while secreting significantly more tumour necrosis factor α (TNFα) than monocytes from healthy donors. The addition of GM-CSF and IL4 resulted in an inhibition of TNFα secretion, but was not sufficient to generate monocytederived dendritic cells.
CONCLUSION Monocytes from SLE patients are severely altered in phenotype and function and have a limited differentiation flexibility towards the accessory type of monocytic cells.
Footnotes
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Funding: the work was supported by grants of the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) Hi 620/1–1 and by institutional grants from the Charité University Hospital.
