In vivo targeting of DC-SIGN-positive antigen-presenting cells in a nonhuman primate model

J Immunother. 2007 Oct;30(7):705-14. doi: 10.1097/CJI.0b013e31812e6256.

Abstract

In vivo targeting of antigen-presenting cells (APCs) with antigens coupled to antibodies directed against APC-specific endocytic receptors is a simple and a promising approach to induce or modulate immune responses against those antigens. In a recent in vitro study, we have shown that targeting of APCs with an antigen coupled to an antibody directed against the endocytic receptor DC-SIGN effectively induces a specific immune response against that antigen. The aim of the present study was to determine the ability of the murine antihuman DC-SIGN antibody AZN-D1 to target APCs in a cynomolgus macaque model after its administration in vivo. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated that macaques injected intravenously with AZN-D1 have AZN-D1-targeted APCs in all lymph nodes (LNs) tested and in the liver. DC-SIGN-positive cells were mainly located in the medullary sinuses of the LNs and in the hepatic sinusoids in the liver. No unlabeled DC-SIGN molecules were found in the LN of AZN-D1-injected macaques. Morphologic criteria and staining of sequential LN sections with a panel of antibodies indicated that the DC-SIGN-targeted cells belong to the myeloid lineage of APCs. In conclusion, this is the first study that shows specific targeting of APCs in vivo by using antibodies directed against DC-SIGN.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antigen-Presenting Cells / immunology*
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules / immunology*
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules / isolation & purification
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules / metabolism
  • Dendritic Cells / immunology*
  • Dendritic Cells / metabolism
  • Kupffer Cells / immunology
  • Lectins, C-Type / immunology*
  • Lectins, C-Type / isolation & purification
  • Lectins, C-Type / metabolism
  • Lymph Nodes / cytology
  • Lymph Nodes / immunology
  • Lymph Nodes / metabolism
  • Lymphoid Tissue / immunology*
  • Macaca fascicularis
  • Macrophages / immunology*
  • Macrophages / metabolism
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / immunology*
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / isolation & purification
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / metabolism

Substances

  • Cell Adhesion Molecules
  • DC-specific ICAM-3 grabbing nonintegrin
  • Lectins, C-Type
  • Receptors, Cell Surface