Background & Aims: Dendritic cells (DCs) have high ability in antigen presentation. Their functional importance is in treatment of some diseases such as cancer and infection and autoimmune diseases, and prevention of allograft rejection. The aim of this study was to investigate maturation of Dendritic cells for tumor immunotherapy.

 Materials & Methods: DCs was produced in two stages. In the first stage monocyte cells were converted to immature dendritic cells in presence of GM-CSF and IL-4. In the second stage DCs became mature in presence of maturation factor of skin fibroblast cells (HSFPI3) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) conditioned medium and Poly I-C, MCM. Extract of cancer cells (k562) was added as the antigen to the immature DCS.

 Results: The generated DCs had appropriate phenotype, phagocytosis ability, and stimulate proliferation of T lymphocytes and were able to secrete high levels of IL-12 cytokine.

 Conclusion: The DCs generated in presence of endothelial and fibroblast cells had appropriate had the appropriate phenotype and functional and polarizated T lymphocytes type 1 (Th1) immuny response.   

  SOURCE : URMIA MED J 2012: 22(6): 584 ISSN: 1027-3727