Immature monocytes acquire antigens from other cells in the bone marrow and present them to T cells after maturing in the periphery.

ABSTRACT: Monocytes are circulating precursors for tissue macrophages and dendritic cells (DCs) but are not recognized to directly participate in antigen presentation. We developed techniques to label mouse monocyte subsets with particulate tracers in vivo. Gr-1lo but not Gr-1hi monocytes were stably labeled by intravenous injection of 0.5-microm microspheres. Gr-1hi monocytes could be labeled when the microspheres were injected after systemic depletion of blood monocytes and spleen macrophages. In this condition, the phagocytic tracer was transferred to immature bone marrow monocytes by neutrophils and B cells that first carried the particles to the bone marrow. Moreover, antigens from B cells or proteins conjugated to the tracer particles were processed for presentation by monocytes and could indu

SUBMITTER: Tacke F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2118235 | biostudies-literature | 2006 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature