Identification of antigen-presenting dendritic cells in mouse aorta and cardiac valves

Presumptive dendritic cells (DCs) bearing the CD11c integrin and other markers have previously been identified in normal mouse and human aorta. We used CD11c promoter–enhanced yellow fluorescent protein (EYFP) transgenic mice to visualize aortic DCs and study their antigen-presenting capacity. Stellate EYFP+ cells were readily identified in the aorta and could be double labeled with antibodies to CD11c and antigen-presenting major histocompatability complex (MHC) II products. The DCs proved to be particularly abundant in the cardiac valves and aortic sinus. In all aortic locations, the CD11c+ cells localized to the subintimal space with occasional processes probing the vascular lumen. Aortic DCs expressed little CD40 but expressed low levels of CD1d, CD80, and CD86. In studies of antigen presentation, DCs selected on the basis of EYFP expression or binding of anti-CD11c antibody were as effective as DCs similarly selected from the spleen. In particular, the aortic DCs could cross-present two different protein antigens on MHC class I to CD8+ TCR transgenic T cells. In addition, after intravenous injection, aortic DCs could capture anti-CD11c antibody and cross-present ovalbumin to T cells. These results indicate that bona fide DCs are a constituent of the normal aorta and cardiac valves

Netzwerk und Geschlecht - im Kontext

Tacke V. Netzwerk und Geschlecht - im Kontext. In: Weinbach C, ed. Geschlechtliche Ungleichheit in systemtheoretischer Perspektive. Wiesbaden: VS Verlag für Sozialwissenschaften; 2007: 165-189

Carl Andre : Münster, Berlin, München : Die Milchstrasse, Der Frieden von Münster und andere Skulpturen

Three authors treat aspects of Andre's work, analysing the piece titled "Die Milchstrasse" (The Milky Way, 1985), presenting Andre as a "Renaissance man", and puzzling over the end of the century and the problem of contemporary art. Biographical notes. 8 bibl. ref. In German only

Neutrophil secretion products pave the way for inflammatory monocytes

The leukocyte response in inflammation is characterized by an initial recruitment of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) preceding a second wave of monocytes to the site of injury or infection. In the mouse, 2 populations of monocytes have been identified, Gr1-CCR2-CX3CR1(hi) resident monocytes and Gr1+CCR2+CX3CR1(lo) inflammatory monocytes. Here, intravital microscopy of the musculus cremasterand a subcutaneous air pouch model were used to investigate a possible link between PMN extravasation and the subsequent emigration of inflammatory monocytes in response to local stimulation with PAR In mice that were made neutropenic by injection of a PMN-depleting antibody, the extravasation of inflammatory monocytes, but not resident monocytes, was markedly reduced compared with mice with intact white blood cell count but was restored by local treatment with secretion of activated PMN. Components of the PMN secretion were found to and further examination revealed PMN-derived LL-37 and heparin-binding protein (HBP/CAP37/azurocidin) as primary mediators of the recruitment of inflammatory monocytes via activation of formyl-peptide receptors. These data show that LL-37 and HBP specifically stimulate mobilization of inflammatory monocytes. This cellular cross-talk functionally results in enhanced cytokine levels and increased bacterial clearance, thus boosting the early immune response