Ox-LDL can enhance the interaction of mice natural killer cells and dendritic cells via the CD48-2B4 pathway

Heart Vessels. 2011 Nov;26(6):637-45. doi: 10.1007/s00380-010-0102-4. Epub 2011 Jan 8.

Abstract

The importance of the interaction between natural killer (NK) cells and dendritic cells (DCs) in the expansion of antiviral and antitumor immune responses is well documented; however, limited information on NK/DC interaction during atherosclerosis is available. Inflammation plays an important role in the development of atherosclerosis, and oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) is believed to play a critical role in the development and progression of atherosclerosis. In this study, we developed a NK/DC coculture system to examine the role of ox-LDL in modulating the interaction of mice NK cells and DCs. Fresh NK cells were cocultured with DCs in the absence or presence of ox-LDL. We examined the cytokines released during the interaction. This report provides the first evidence of an enhancement effect by ox-LDL on the NK/DC crosstalk. Notably, we found that ox-LDL significantly promoted the interaction of NK cells and DCs via CD48-2B4 contact-dependent mechanisms. These findings highlight the importance of NK/DCs crosstalk in atherosclerosis and provide new information about the possible mechanisms of atherosclerosis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antigens, CD / metabolism*
  • Atherosclerosis / immunology
  • Atherosclerosis / metabolism
  • CD48 Antigen
  • Cell Communication*
  • Coculture Techniques
  • Cytotoxicity, Immunologic
  • Dendritic Cells / immunology
  • Dendritic Cells / metabolism*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / immunology
  • Inflammation / metabolism
  • Inflammation Mediators / metabolism
  • Interferon-gamma / metabolism
  • Interleukin-12 / metabolism
  • K562 Cells
  • Killer Cells, Natural / immunology
  • Killer Cells, Natural / metabolism*
  • Lipoproteins, LDL / metabolism*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Receptors, Immunologic / metabolism*
  • Signaling Lymphocytic Activation Molecule Family

Substances

  • Antigens, CD
  • CD48 Antigen
  • CD48 protein, human
  • Cd244a protein, mouse
  • Cd48 protein, mouse
  • Inflammation Mediators
  • Lipoproteins, LDL
  • Receptors, Immunologic
  • Signaling Lymphocytic Activation Molecule Family
  • oxidized low density lipoprotein
  • Interleukin-12
  • Interferon-gamma