Characteristics of intestinal dendritic cells in inflammatory bowel diseases

Abstract

Background & Aims: Dendritic cells (DCs) recognize and respond to microbial structures using pattern recognition receptors, including Toll-like receptors (TLRs). In the intestine, DCs are pivotal in tolerance induction and direct the differentiation of T cells. We aimed to identify changes in intestinal DCs that may underlie the dysregulated immune response to enteric bacteria that occurs in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Methods: DCs were identified in freshly isolated lamina propria mononuclear cells by multicolor flow cytometry in patients with IBD and controls. Expression of TLR2, TLR4, and the activation/maturation marker CD40 was assessed by cell surface labeling. Prod..