Resident CD141 (BDCA3)+ dendritic cells in human skin produce IL-10 and induce regulatory T cells that suppress skin inflammation

J Exp Med. 2012 May 7;209(5):935-45. doi: 10.1084/jem.20112583. Epub 2012 Apr 30.

Abstract

Human skin immune homeostasis, and its regulation by specialized subsets of tissue-residing immune sentinels, is poorly understood. In this study, we identify an immunoregulatory tissue-resident dendritic cell (DC) in the dermis of human skin that is characterized by surface expression of CD141, CD14, and constitutive IL-10 secretion (CD141(+) DDCs). CD141(+) DDCs possess lymph node migratory capacity, induce T cell hyporesponsiveness, cross-present self-antigens to autoreactive T cells, and induce potent regulatory T cells that inhibit skin inflammation. Vitamin D(3) (VitD3) promotes certain phenotypic and functional properties of tissue-resident CD141(+) DDCs from human blood DCs. These CD141(+) DDC-like cells can be generated in vitro and, once transferred in vivo, have the capacity to inhibit xeno-graft versus host disease and tumor alloimmunity. These findings suggest that CD141(+) DDCs play an essential role in the maintenance of skin homeostasis and in the regulation of both systemic and tumor alloimmunity. Finally, VitD3-induced CD141(+) DDC-like cells have potential clinical use for their capacity to induce immune tolerance.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Analysis of Variance
  • Animals
  • Antigens, Surface / metabolism*
  • Cell- and Tissue-Based Therapy / methods*
  • Cholecalciferol / pharmacology
  • Dermatitis / immunology*
  • Female
  • Graft vs Host Disease / prevention & control*
  • Homeostasis / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Indoles
  • Interleukin Receptor Common gamma Subunit / genetics
  • Interleukin-10 / immunology*
  • Langerhans Cells / drug effects
  • Langerhans Cells / immunology*
  • Langerhans Cells / metabolism
  • Lipopolysaccharide Receptors / metabolism
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred NOD
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Mice, SCID
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / immunology*
  • Thrombomodulin

Substances

  • Antigens, Surface
  • Indoles
  • Interleukin Receptor Common gamma Subunit
  • Lipopolysaccharide Receptors
  • THBD protein, human
  • Thrombomodulin
  • Interleukin-10
  • Cholecalciferol
  • DAPI