ARTICLE
Auteur(s) : Julie
Charles1,2,3, Laurence Chaperot2,3,
Dimitri Salameire2,3,4, Jérémy Di Domizio2,3,
Caroline Aspord2,3, Rémy Gressin5,
Marie-Christine Jacob6, Marie-Jeanne
Richard2,3,7, Jean-Claude Beani1, Joel
Plumas2,3, Marie-Thérèse Leccia1,2,3
1Dermatologie, Pôle Pluridisciplinaire de Médecine,
CHU Grenoble, Hôpital Michallon, F-38043 France
2Inserm, U823, Centre de Recherche Albert Bonniot,
Immunobiologie et Immunothérapie des Cancers, La Tronche,
F-38706 France; Université Joseph Fourier, Grenoble, F-38041
France
3Laboratoire R&D, Etablissement Français du Sang
Rhône-Alpes, La Tronche, F-38701 France
4Département d’Anatomo-cytopathologie, Pôle de Biologie,
CHU Grenoble, Hôpital Michallon, F-38043 France
5Hématologie, CHU Grenoble, Hôpital Michallon, F-38043
France; INSERM U823, Centre de Recherche Albert Bonniot, Voies
Oncogéniques des Tumeurs Malignes, La Tronche, F-38706 France;
Université Joseph Fourier, Grenoble, F-38041.
6Laboratoire d’Immuno-cytologie, Etablissement Français
du Sang Rhône-Alpes, La Tronche, F-38701 France
7Unité Mixte de Thérapie Cellulaire et Tissulaire, CHU
Grenoble, F-38043 France
accepté le 18 Août 2009
The skin epidermis constitutes the direct interface with the
external environment and the first barrier of protection against
penetration into the organism of exogenous pathogenic agents or
substances. The underlying dermis, where the vascular structures
are located, ensures the functions of thermoregulation and
nutrition. Immune cells are located and moved between the epidermis
and the dermis. They are organised in networks and take part in the
defence against pathogenic agents. DC are professional antigen
presenting cells (APC) capable of capturing and presenting antigens
and also initiating and orchestrating the immune response by
establishing links between innate and adaptive responses [1]. In a
physiological situation, two DC contingents of myeloid origin are
present in the skin: epidermal Langerhans cells and dermal DC, also
known as interstitial DC [2]. The presence of PDC in healthy skin
is controversial and only one study has shown the presence of rare
immature PDC (BDCA2pos) with no organised distribution
pattern within healthy skin [3].
The two populations of DC, MDC and PDC, can be distinguished by
their ontogeny and their functional capacities. MDC are of myeloid
origin whereas PDC could be of lymphoid origin [4]. The phenotypic
characteristics of DC are presented in table
1.
MDC have the functions of sentinels in peripheral tissues where
they are resident and able to capture antigens. Regarding cutaneous
levels, immature MDC are present in the skin under basal conditions
in the dermis and in the epidermis [2]. MDC capture pathogenic
agents, infected cells or degradation products using different
methods (pinocytosis, phagocytosis…) through receptors that allow
the capture of antigens and integrate the information provided by
the pathological environment. They acquire a high level of
maturation and migrate towards secondary lymphoid organs through
the modulation of the expression of chemokine receptors: a decrease
in the expression of CCR6 allows them, for example, to leave the
skin, whereas an increased expression of CCR7 directs them towards
lymph nodes. They also express HLA DR (Human Leukocyte Antigen,
HLA) and co-stimulation molecules (CD40, CD80, CD83, CD86) that
allow them to initiate a response from lymphocytes present in the
lymph nodes [5]. MDC can induce a T helper type 1 (Th1)
polarisation on CD4+ naive T lymphocytes, leading to the
predominant secretion of IFN-γ by mature lymphocytes. They can also
initiate a T helper type 2 (Th2) polarisation, with lymphocytes
secreting IL-4 and IL-5. A Th1 profile leads to a
cell-mediated immune response, whereas a Th2 profile secondarily
leads to the expansion and maturation of B lymphocytes into plasma
cells and to a humoral response. The recruitment of
CD8pos naive T lymphocytes leads to their maturation
into cytotoxic T lymphocytes that will cause lysis or induce
apoptosis of infected cells via the perforin/granzyme and FAS
(CD95)/FASLigand (CD95L) death inducing systems.
In a steady state, immature PDC are found in the blood, in T
centres of lymphoid organs, in the thymus, in the tonsils and in
lung tissue. The major role of PDC is a rapid response against
viral aggressions. PDC have the peculiar capacity to produce large
amounts of type I IFN in response to viral stimulation [4]. The
antigen capture potential of PDC is, however, less developed
compared to other APC. Under basal states, PDC are absent from the
skin in contrast to MDC, suggesting that the presence of PDC in the
skin under pathological conditions is the consequence of active
mechanisms of recruitment.
The trafficking of PDC in infectious, inflammatory or tumour
contexts is not as well understood as MDC trafficking. Blood
circulating PDC are able to reach inflamed lymph nodes by a
hematogenous route across high endothelial venules (HEV). This
recruitment mainly involves CD62L, CCR5 and ChemR23 [6]. PDC are
absent from the afferent lymph, which is in contrast to the
trafficking pattern of MDC. High levels of PDC are found in
inflamed skin, this recruitment could be mediated by ChemR23 [7]
and CXCR3 [8]. Activated PDC observed in cutaneous lesions are
capable of secreting large quantities of interferon α (IFN-α) [4].
They can also stimulate naive T lymphocytes and induce Th1 or Th2
polarisation depending on the pathological context. Thus
stimulation by viruses or by Toll-Like Receptor (TLR) 7 or 9
ligands will lead to a Th1 response, whereas activation by IL-3 or
CD40L will lead to a Th2 response.
Danger signals carried by pathogenic agents (PAMP) are
recognised by TLR. MDC express TLR1, 2, 4, 5 and 8. PDC possess TLR
7 and 9. The expression of TLR7 is almost totally restricted to PDC
[9]. Thus MDC and PDC do not express the same set of TLR, but their
expression is complementary and allows the recognition of a large
panel of pathogenic motifs. New therapeutic molecules targeting TLR
are currently in development and can prompt DC danger signal
recognition and activation.
However, there is a strong plasticity in DC functions, depending
on their localization, on their maturation state and on the
influence of their environment. It is now established that DC can
have tolerogenic functions. The CD4posCD25pos
T regulatory (Tr) cells and the type 1 regulatory T (Tr1) cells are
the best characterized subsets of regulatory T cells and play a
crucial role in peripheral tolerance. It has been demonstrated that
Tr1 cells can be induced in the periphery by tolerogenic MDC and
that mature DC are able to expand functional CD4pos
CD25pos Tr cells [10, 11]. Regarding PDC, PDC precursors
activated in the presence of IL-3 and CD40-ligands into mature
dendritic cells, named DC2, are able to induce CD8pos Tr
cells, producing IL10 [12]. The generation of tolerogenic MDC or
PDC opens new therapeutic ways in pathologies such as auto-immune
diseases or Graft versus Host Disease (GVHD).
Recently, a third subset of effector Th cells that produces IL17
(Th17) has been identified. The protective role of Th17 cells
appears to be the clearance of pathogens such as candida albicans
and specific extracellular bacteria that are not adequately handled
by Th1 or Th2 cells [13]. Th17 are can also enhance anti-tumor
immunity [14, 15]. But Th17 cells are able to induce strong tissue
inflammation and are implicated in the pathogenesis of auto-immune
and inflammatory diseases such as multiple sclerosis, inflammatory
bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis or psoriasis [13]. The role of
DC in Th17 polarization is not well defined. Upon specific TLR or
dectin receptor stimulation, DC are able to produce IL23 and this
cytokine, together with TGF-β, IL1β and IL6, stabilizes
differentiating Th17 cells. So MDC expressing TLR2, TLR 4 and
C-type lectins seems to be able to skew the T cell response towards
the Th17 profile. The role of PDC in inducing Th17 in humans is not
well characterized as yet.
We propose here an overview of dermatological diseases in which
PDC are highly implicated and which could bring new knowledge of
the physiopathology of some dermatoses, or represent potential
targets for new therapeutic approaches.
PDC and immunoallergic inflammatory cutaneous
diseases
PDC were initially described in disorders involving an important
lymphocytic infiltrate and were associated with the group of
cutaneous pseudolymphomas. At the end of the 1980s a new cellular
contingent, termed plasmacytoid T cells or plasmacytoid
monocytes, was discovered in cutaneous lymphoid hyperplasias and in
Jessner-Kanoff type lymphocytic infiltrates [16, 17]. Until then
these cells had only been identified in reactive lymph nodes. They
were called plasmacytoid because their morphology was close to that
of plasma cells with a developed endoplasmic reticulum. They also
had common phenotypical characteristics with T lymphocytes and DC,
were considered to belong to Skin-associated Lymphoid Tissue (SALT)
and their antigen presenting function was a matter of debate [17].
In another study, the presence of plasmacytoid monocytes was
established in 58% of biopsies removed from patients suffering from
Jessner-Kanoff disease (75 biopsies) [18]. It is now established
that these plasmacytoid monocytes or plasmacytoid T cells
which were described in the 1980s were actually PDC [19].
Jessner Kanoff disease, lupus, chronic discoid lupus, lupus
erythematosus
Jessner Kanoff disease and lupus belong to the same spectrum of
dermatoses that can be photo-induced. PDC are found in large
quantities by immunohistochemistry in skin biopsies from patients
suffering from chronic discoid lupus and lupus erythematosus [20].
PDC are preferentially distributed along the dermal-epidermal
junction, around hair follicles and vessels. Cells positive for MxA
(protein induced by type I IFN) are disseminated throughout the
dermis and epidermis and their number correlates with the PDC
density of the infiltrate. These data suggest that activated PDC
secrete IFN-α [20]. PDC were also identified in lupic panniculitis
lesions, a specific clinical type of lupus also known as lupus
erythematosus profundus, and in association with an important in
situ secretion of IFN-α [21]. The activation of PDC appears to
occur via TLR 7 and 9 which recognise specific DNA and RNA
sequences. In patients with lupus, there is a defect in the
degradation of apoptotic cells leading to the accumulation of RNA
and DNA fragments, especially CpG enriched hypomethylated DNA
fragments. These nucleic acid molecules generated by apoptotic
cells can accumulate in the skin after exposure to ultraviolet rays
[22]. In some patients, especially patients suffering from systemic
lupus, anti-double stranded DNA antibodies and antibodies directed
against nuclear antigens are produced. These antibodies lead to the
formation of circulating immune complexes containing DNA. These
immune complexes are able to activate the TLR9. It is now
established that this activation occurs via the High Mobility Group
Box protein type 1 (HMGB1) secreted by necrotic cells and
inflammatory cells, which binds to nuclear DNA present in the
immune complex. HMGB1 will then interact with RAGE (receptor for
advanced glycation end-products) which induces the activation of
PDC via the TLR9-MyD88 pathway [23]. Recently, PDC have also been
identified in lupus tumidus (spontaneous and photo-induced lesions)
giving new arguments for a PDC recruitment after UV injury and
supporting the concept of a PDC driven pathology in cutaneous lupus
[24].
Table 1 Main phenotypic features of DC
|
PDC
|
MDC
|
|
Common characteristics of PDC and MDC
|
Negativity: CD3 (T lymphocyte marker), CD19 (B
lymphocyte marker), CD14 (monocyte marker), CD56
(Natural Killer marker) Positivity: CD4, HLA-DR
|
|
Specific expression
|
BDCA2 (lectin family), BDCA4 (neuropilin),
CD123 (α chain of the IL3 receptor)
|
CD11c CD116 (GM-CSF receptor or Granulocyte and
Monocyte Colony Stimulating Factor). CD13 (myeloid
marker)
|
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is another inflammatory dermatosis in which
hyperproliferation of keratinocytes is observed in response to an
environmental aggression on a background of genetic predisposition.
Understanding this disease comes down to determining how
inflammatory cells of innate and adaptive immunity are capable of
inducing the proliferation of keratinocytes and disorders of
epidermal differentiation. The lymphocytic hypothesis is currently
thought to be the most likely: autoreactive and constantly
activated T lymphocytes produce cytokines that have pro-mitotic
effects on keratinocytes [25].
PDC have been identified in increased numbers in psoriasis skin
lesions but are also present in the healthy skin of these same
patients [26]. Within the lesions they are located in the dermis
and have an activated phenotype. In parallel, the number of
circulating PDC is reduced in these patients, which is in favour of
a cutaneous recruitment. IFN-α produced by activated PDC is
secreted during the early phase of the development of a psoriasis
lesion and is transient. It induces a strong activation and
expansion of pathogenic T lymphocytes. PDC and IFN-α are actors of
innate immunity and appear to play a dominant role in the
pathophysiology of psoriasis [26]. Blocking the secretion of IFN-α
using an anti-BDCA2 monoclonal antibody inhibits the development of
psoriasis lesions (experimental model of human psoriasis skin
xenografts into mice) [26].
Recently, the anti-microbial peptide LL37 has been identified as
a key factor in the development and propagation of psoriasis
lesions [27]. LL37 is highly expressed in psoriasis lesions and
binds the self-DNA to form aggregated and condensed structures that
are potent activators of PDC. These complexes are delivered to the
early endocytic compartment of PDC to trigger TLR9 and thereby
IFN-α production [28]. The earliest event seems to be the
conversion of Pro-chemerin into chemerin in psoriatic pre-lesional
skin leading to the recruitment of ChemR23 expressing PDC. This
Chemerin/ChemR23 axis is an important new player in the
pathogenesis of psoriasis [29].
Moreover, it has been described that the accidental application
of a TLR-7 agonist, imiquimod, on psoriasis plaques could lead to
its exacerbation and extension into guttate psoriasis [30]. Lesions
which had appeared at a distance from the application area excluded
a simple Koebner phenomenon that could be secondary to the
irritation caused by imiquimod, and PDC was identified in psoriasis
plaques. It would therefore be possible that PDC activated via the
TLR-7 produce IFN-α in large quantities which could trigger
psoriasis lesions.
Atopic dermatitis
The circulating contingent of PDC in patients suffering from atopic
dermatitis is higher compared to control subjects, resulting in a
reduced MDC/PDC ratio. An inverse correlation was established
between the ratio MDC/PDC and the clinical score of the disease
[31]. The PDC infiltrate in atopic eczema lesions is less
pronounced than in other inflammatory dermatoses such as psoriasis,
contact eczema or lupus [32]. The rare PDC present in the skin are
located in close proximity to vessels expressing a subtype of
adressins, the peripheral neural adressins (PNAs). The PNAs are the
physiological ligands of L-selectin (CD62L) which are strongly
expressed by PDC [31]. PDC seem capable of promoting a Th2 immune
response but also a Th1 response in synergy with MDC. This type of
response profile was observed during the chronic phase of the
atopic disease, enhancing the auto-maintenance of the disease.
Moreover, this weak recruitment of PDC in atopic eczema
inflammatory lesions could explain the high sensitivity of the
patients to viral infections, such as Human Herpes Virus (HSV)1 and
HSV2 herpes viruses, pox-virus infections, favorized by a local
deficiency in type I IFN [33].
On the contrary, PDC have been found in large quantities in
contact eczema lesions [32].
Lichen planus
Lichen planus is an inflammatory dermatosis with an as yet
undetermined etiology. Following the hypothesis of a viral origin,
the genomes of different viruses were searched for in cutaneous
biopsies. Cells infected by HHV-7 (Human-Herpes Virus 7) were
identified significantly more frequently in lichen planus lesions
than in healthy skin or in other inflammatory dermatoses [34].
A large number of PDC were also observed in dermal infiltrates
in close proximity to the epidermal basement membrane. Within
lesions, the DNA of HHV-7 was predominantly present in PDC
expressing BDCA-2 and replicates within these cells. Clinical
remission following treatment was associated with a decrease in
viral DNA and in the number of PDC in situ [35]. Lichen planus
could be associated with a reactivation of HHV-7, where the
prevalence is of roughly 90% within the general population, not
following a cytopathogenic pattern, but as an intense inflammatory
reaction initiated by PDC [35].
PDC and infectious disorders
PDC are in the front line of antiviral immune responses.
Circulating and cutaneous PDC were analysed in a patient suffering
from chicken pox, therefore infected with a Varicella Zoster Virus
(VZV) [36]. PDC were identified in the epidermis and dermis and
strongly expressed CXCR3. The circulating PDC contingent, however,
was reduced. These data suggested that PDC probably left the
peripheral blood circulation and were mobilised via
CXCR3/CXCR3-ligand interactions at the site of the infection. They
were activated and secreted IFN-α, as shown by the high number of
MxA positive cells present in the dermis and epidermis.
PDC also have a crucial role in HSV1 and HSV2 infection. We have
previously discussed the lack of PDC in atopic dermatitis skin as a
factor for HSV surinfection. PDC participate in the immune control
of recurrent HSV infection by their resistance to HSV infection and
their capacity to induce a specific autologous T lymphocyte
proliferation [37].
PDC have also been identified in virally induced cancers,
especially in cervical carcinomas induced by the Human Papilloma
Virus (HPV) [38]. However, the role of PDC in the context of solid
tumours remains unclear.
PDC in the context of malignant cutaneous
disorders
The interactions of DC subsets with tumour cells and tumour
micro-environments are complex and the function of DC is finally
determined by a balance of several molecular interactions that
regulate recognition, uptake, processing and presentation of tumour
antigens [39].
Melanomas
PDC have been identified within primary melanomas using
immunohistochemical methods in a series including primary melanomas
of different invasion stages, ranging from in situ melanoma to
melanoma with a Breslow index of 28 mm [40]. PDC expressing
CD123 were located around the tumour within a cellular infiltrate
containing lymphocytes and MDC or in close proximity to blood
vessels. More rarely, they are close to tumour cell clusters or
directly in contact with melanoma cells. PDC have also been shown
in cutaneous melanoma metastases. PDC are present in 79% of the
malignant melanomas studied (42 primary tumours and 11 cutaneous
metastases) whereas they were absent from samples of healthy skin
and nevi that served as controls. Moreover, the analysis of 4
sentinel lymph nodes (1 lymph node with micrometastasis) revealed
the presence of small clusters of PDC in these lymph nodes. In
primary tumours and lymph nodes, the production of IFN-α was
studied using the type I IFN –inducible MxA protein. Results showed
a weak production of IFN-α that could be linked to functional
abnormalities and to a low level of maturation of PDC.
Another study showed the presence of PDC in primary melanoma at
the periphery of tumour cells (5 tumours studied) [41]. The number
of PDC was higher in invasive and metastatic melanoma than in
in-situ tumours. In vitro, the functional study of PDC showed that
they are capable of initiating a Th1 response with proliferation of
CD8pos T cells specifically directed against melanoma
cells. The CD62L expression of these T cells allowed them to reach
inflammatory skin. The supernatants of activated PDC also induced a
strong expression of MHC I as well as CD95 on melanoma cells,
allowing their recognition and lysis by CD8pos T cells.
In vivo, however, PDC had a weak level of activation. They were
CD83neg and produced very little IFN-α. PDC were present
in the tumour but at a sub-optimal level of activation that did not
allow them to exhibit all their functional capacities.
In our laboratory, we were able to show the presence of PDC in
different primary melanomas by immuno-histochemical staining of
paraffin embedded tumour with the BDCA2 antibody (figure 1).
PDC could also play a role in the phenomenon of regression that
is histologically defined by the total or focal disappearance of
malignant melanocytes in the dermis and/or epidermis. Regression
occurs in roughly 40% of primary melanomas [42] and can be
considered as a localised phenomenon of autoimmunity as the T cell
response that is observed is directed against tumour antigens that
are considered as self-antigens. By analogy with autoimmune
disorders such as cutaneous lupus, the potential role of IFN-α has
been studied in the regression. An immunohistochemical study on 14
melanomas showing regression, compared to 6 dysplastic nevi, 4 halo
nevi and 5 samples of healthy skin, was performed [43]. In primary
melanoma showing signs of early or intermediate regression, a
significantly larger CD8pos T cell infiltrate was
observed. The type I IFN inducible protein, MxA was strongly
expressed within melanoma showing signs of early or intermediate
regression and in halo nevi. The mechanism of CD8pos T
cell recruitment appeared to be mediated by the
interferon-inducible protein 10 (IP10), the type I IFN inducible
protein, as CD8pos T cells express CXCR3, the IP-10
receptor. IFN-α producing cells present in the medium were probably
PDC as they were revealed using the anti-BDCA-2 antibody. Therefore
the initiation of the immune response that triggered the tumour
regression could be linked to the presence of PDC infiltrating the
tumor that secrete IFN-α, inducing the expression of IP-10 and the
recruitment of cytotoxic T cells expressing CXCR3.
The role of PDC in melanoma can also be studied by looking at
the effects of TLR ligands corresponding to the TLR expressed by
PDC. Imiquimod, a synthetic agonist of TLR-7 which is specifically
expressed by PDC, was tested in a murine model. One hundred and
fifteen tumours induced by the intradermal injection of melanoma
cells were studied [44]. Eighty nine tumours were treated with
topical imiquimod, with one application per day for 30 days, and 26
tumours were treated with the excipient. In imiquimod-treated
lesions, partial or complete regression was observed in 26% of
cases, stabilisation was observed in 51% of cases and tumour
evolution in 23% of cases. Characterisation of the inflammatory
infiltrate following the application of imiquimod showed a large
number of PDC within the infiltrate. Therefore, the authors
suggested that the anti-tumour effects of imiquimod could be
mediated by a massive recruitment of PDC, expressing TLR-7 and
capable of producing IFN-α in situ.
In humans, no large study has evaluated the effects of imiquimod
in the treatment of melanoma or associated cutaneous metastases.
A few isolated cases showing the efficacy of imiquimod on
cutaneous melanomas in palliative therapy have been reported
[45-47]. Only one study was performed on the use of imiquimod as a
first intention therapy for the treatment of 30 lentigo maligna
that were not easily accessible for surgery [48]. Efficacy was
shown in 93% of cases without any relapse at one year of follow-up.
It is difficult to draw conclusions from this study, as the sample
number was very reduced as was the time of follow-up. A phase
II multicentric study used a TLR9 agonist, PF-3512676, in the
treatment of stage IV melanoma (M1a to M1c AJCC [49]). Twenty
patients were treated with weekly subcutaneous injections of
6 mg of PF-3512676 over a period of 24 weeks. The disease
progressed under treatment in 14 patients. Stabilisation was
observed in 3 patients, and 2 patients partially responded (one of
them benefited from a 140 week prolonged partial response). There
were no severe side effects associated with this treatment.
Follow-up of the phenotypic and functional modifications of PDC in
the peripheral blood after 8 weeks of treatment showed an increase
in the expression of HLA-DR and CD86 activation markers on PDC.
A sustained induction of type I IFN expression was also found.
These data demonstrate the possibility of acting pharmacologically
on PDC to activate them in vivo in order to fight against the
tumour. Treatment with a TLR9 agonist was also proposed as an
adjuvant treatment prior to extensive surgery of the primary
melanoma and exeresis of sentinel lymph nodes [50]. In sentinel
lymph nodes of treated patients, an activation of PDC, an increase
in the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and a decrease in
the contingent of regulatory T cells have been observed [51].
Basal cell carcinomas
PDC are also present in basal cell carcinomas and have been studied
as pharmacological targets of imiquimod. PDC appeared to be
recruited and activated in situ by imiquimod, leading to the
secretion of IFN-α within the tumour tissue [52]. The use of
imiquimod has been validated in the United-States and in Europe for
the treatment of superficial basal cell carcinoma [53]. It has
recently been shown that PDC were massively recruited in
superficial basal cell carcinoma and acquired the expression of
TRAIL during the application of topical imiquimod. The expression
of TRAIL Receptor 1 has been shown on the surface of basal cell
carcinoma cells and a large number of tumour cells undergoing
apoptosis were present in tumours treated with imiquimod,
suggesting that the activation of PDC by imiquimod led to the
apoptosis of tumour cells mediated by the TRAIL pathway [54].
Epidermoid carcinomas of the head and neck
PDC have been identified in epidermoid carcinomas of the head and
neck [55]. PDC were distributed within the tumour tissue and
presented functional alterations, especially with regard to their
production of IFN-α. Decreased expression of certain TLR was noted,
especially TLR9, leading to the absence of secretion of IFN-α in
situ, in response to CPG-oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN), the TLR9
ligand. The response to CPG-ODN was preserved in the draining lymph
node. These findings suggested that the microenvironment of the
tumour could play a role in the functional alterations observed in
PDC.
Mediterranean type Kaposi disease
Studies showed that DC populations in peripheral blood were
decreased in patients suffering from the Mediterranean type Kaposi
disease, an angiosarcoma associated with the Human Herpes Virus 8
(HHV-8). PDC represented 0.23% of the PBMC count in 66 patients
compared to 0.32% of PBMC in controls, MDC represent 0.47% of the
PBMC count in patients against 0.65% in controls. The phenotypic
profile of DC was not modified. Quantitative alterations of the DC
contingent were correlated with the stage of the disease but also
with the clinical evolution of the disease and were independent of
the levels of blood viral DNA detected in the blood of the
patients. Modifications in the circulating MDC contingent could be
associated with the effects of the viral IL-6 coded by HHV-8 that
shares analogies with human IL-6 and inhibits the differentiation
of MDC from their CD34+ precursors [56].
Hematological disorders with cutaneous expression
involving PDC
Graft versus host disease
PDC could play a crucial role in the occurrence of graft versus
host disease (GVHD) following the allograft of hematopoietic stem
cells as PDC have multiple functions and could play an active role
in the phenomenon of tolerance. GVHD occurs when the donor’s mature
T cells recognise specific antigens of the recipient, which leads
to the destruction of the recipient’s cells. One study showed that
chronic GVHD in humans was associated with a high level of PDC in
the graft and in the recipients blood [57]. Data from a murine
model suggested that PDC from the recipient prevented the
occurrence of acute GVHD and enhanced the acceptance of the graft
[58].
PDC leukemia
PDC leukemia is a hematological disorder that has only recently
been identified as a separate entity [59, 60]. This leukaemia was
initially described as a CD4pos CD56pos
malignancy with skin manifestation, but the high expression of
CD123 marker was a strong argument for a plasmacytoid dendritic
cell proliferation [61]. The main clinical characteristics of PDC
leukemia are an aggressive evolutive profile and frequent skin
involvements (figure 2). The
phenotype of leukemic PDC is Linneg, CD4pos,
CD56pos, CD11cpos, CD123pos,
HLA-DRpos, and CD45Rapos. The phenotypic and
functional studies of these cells in several patients have shown
the expression of a functional CCR6 on the surface of leukemic PDC
with migration towards MIP3α, its ligand in vitro. CCR6 could
therefore allow leukemic PDC to leave the peripheral blood stream
and to penetrate the skin leading to the formation of tumour
nodules. The phenotypic and functional characteristics of leukemic
PDC are otherwise comparable to those of normal PDC [62, 63]. An
unique cell line has been derived from the cells of a patient
suffering from PDC leukemia, the GEN cell line (Brevet 02-15927)
that is a useful tool for the study of PDC ex vivo (figure 3).
Conclusion
PDC are professional antigen presenting cells and play a central
role in the initiation and regulation of immune responses. PDC seem
to be absent in the skin under homeostatic conditions whereas there
are massively recruited into the skin under pathological
conditions, such as inflammatory, infectious or malignant
disorders. There is a strong plasticity in their functions
depending on the pathological context in which they are present
(figure 4).
While their role is clearly beneficial for the host in the context
of defence against infectious agents, PDC seems to be in an
undesired state of activation in patients with inflammatory
auto-immune diseases, such as psoriasis or lupus. PDC are activated
by endogenous pathogenic motifs, their aberrant production of type
I interferon leading to inflammation and the development of skin
lesions. Studies of PDC constitute a crucial progress in the
comprehension of the pathogenesis of skin pathologies such as
psoriasis and lupus, which could lead to new therapeutic approaches
targeting IFN-alpha production by PDC. In a carcinogenic context,
PDC seem to play an important role in shaping the host response to
a tumour. PDC interact with tumour cells and tumour
microenvironments and a better understanding of these interactions
will have major implications for the comprehension of phenomenon of
immunity or tolerance to tumours. In breast cancer the presence of
PDC in the tumour is associated with a poor prognosis [64] and in
ovarian cancer PDC are recruited to the tumour site and produce
IL-10, a regulatory cytokine [65]. Their prognostic signification
is not known in skin cancers to date. The supposed detrimental
functions of PDC in a tumoral context may be reversible in the
context of melanoma. Molecules that are able to activate PDC and
increase their antigen presentation capacities are currently under
development. For example, CpG-ODN can enhance the immunogenicity of
a Melan-A peptide based vaccine and the tumor antigen specific T
cell responses in melanoma patients [66]. Thus, therapeutic agents
targeting PDC today represent new innovative approaches in
oncodermatology.
Acknowledgements
Financial support: none. Conflict of interest: none.
References
1 Banchereau J, et al. Immunobiology of dendritic cells.
Annu Rev Immunol 2000; 18: 767-811.
2 Valladeau J, Saeland S. Cutaneous dendritic cells.
Semin Immunol, 2005; [réf à compléter].
3 Ebner S, et al. Expression of C-type lectin
receptors by subsets of dendritic cells in human skin. Int Immunol
2004; 16: 877-87.
4 Colonna M, Trinchieri G, Liu YJ. Plasmacytoid
dendritic cells in immunity. Nat Immunol 2004; 5: 1219-26.
5 Delves PJ, Roitt IM. The immune system. First of two
parts. N Engl J Med 2000; 343: 37-49.
6 Randolph GJ, Ochando J, Partida-Sanchez S.
Migration of dendritic cell subsets and their precursors. Annu Rev
Immunol 2008; 26: 293-316.
7 Vermi W, et al. Role of ChemR23 in directing the
migration of myeloid and plasmacytoid dendritic cells to lymphoid
organs and inflamed skin. J Exp Med 2005; 201: 509-15.
8 Kohrgruber N, et al. Plasmacytoid dendritic cell
recruitment by immobilized CXCR3 ligands. J Immunol 2004; 173:
6592-602.
9 Takeda K, Kaisho T, Akira S. Toll-like
receptors. Annu Rev Immunol 2003; 21: 335-76.
10 Bacchetta R, Gregori S, Roncarolo MG. CD4+
regulatory T cells: mechanisms of induction and effector function.
Autoimmun Rev 2005; 4: 491-6.
11 Adler HS, Steinbrink K. Tolerogenic dendritic cells
in health and disease: friend and foe! Eur J Dermatol 2007; 17:
476-91.
12 Gilliet M, Liu YJ. Human plasmacytoid-derived
dendritic cells and the induction of T-regulatory cells. Hum
Immunol 2002; 63: 1149-55.
13 Korn T, et al. IL-17 and Th17 Cells. Annu Rev
Immunol 2009; 27: 485-517.
14 Kryczek I, et al. Endogenous IL-17 contributes to
reduced tumor growth and metastasis. Blood 2009; 114: 357-9.
15 Hinrichs CS, et al. Type 17 CD8+ T cells display
enhanced antitumor immunity. Blood 2009; 114: 596-9.
16 Eckert F, Schmid U. Identification of plasmacytoid
T cells in lymphoid hyperplasia of the skin. Arch Dermatol 1989;
125: 1518-24.
17 Facchetti F, et al. Plasmacytoid T cells in a case
of lymphocytic infiltration of skin. A component of the
skin-associated lymphoid tissue? J Pathol 1988; 155: 295-300.
18 Toonstra J, van der Putte SC. Plasmacytoid
monocytes in Jessner’s lymphocytic infiltration of the skin.
A valuable clue for the diagnosis. Am J Dermatopathol 1991;
13: 321-8.
19 Jahnsen FL, et al. Involvement of plasmacytoid
dendritic cells in human diseases. Hum Immunol 2002; 63:
1201-5.
20 Farkas L, et al. Plasmacytoid dendritic cells
(natural interferon- alpha/beta-producing cells) accumulate in
cutaneous lupus erythematosus lesions. Am J Pathol 2001; 159:
237-43.
21 Wenzel J, Tuting T. Identification of type I
interferon-associated inflammation in the pathogenesis of cutaneous
lupus erythematosus opens up options for novel therapeutic
approaches. Exp Dermatol 2007; 16: 454-63.
22 Wenzel J, et al. CXCR3-mediated recruitment of
cytotoxic lymphocytes in lupus erythematosus profundus. J Am Acad
Dermatol 2007; 56: 648-50.
23 Tian J, et al. Toll-like receptor 9-dependent
activation by DNA-containing immune complexes is mediated by HMGB1
and RAGE. Nat Immunol 2007; 8: 487-96.
24 Obermoser G, et al. Recruitment of plasmacytoid
dendritic cells in ultraviolet irradiation-induced lupus
erythematosus tumidus. Br J Dermatol 2009; 160: 197-200.
25 Nickoloff BJ, Nestle FO. Recent insights into the
immunopathogenesis of psoriasis provide new therapeutic
opportunities. J Clin Invest 2004; 113: 1664-75.
26 Nestle FO, et al. Plasmacytoid predendritic cells
initiate psoriasis through interferon-alpha production. J Exp Med
2005; 202: 135-43.
27 Lande R, et al. Characterization and recruitment of
plasmacytoid dendritic cells in synovial fluid and tissue of
patients with chronic inflammatory arthritis. J Immunol 2004; 173:
2815-24.
28 Lande R, et al. Plasmacytoid dendritic cells sense
self-DNA coupled with antimicrobial peptide. Nature 2007; 449:
564-9.
29 Albanesi C, et al. Chemerin expression marks early
psoriatic skin lesions and correlates with plasmacytoid dendritic
cell recruitment. J Exp Med 2009; 206: 249-58.
30 Gilliet M, et al. Psoriasis triggered by toll-like
receptor 7 agonist imiquimod in the presence of dermal plasmacytoid
dendritic cell precursors. Arch Dermatol 2004; 140: 1490-5.
31 Hashizume H, et al. Compartmental imbalance and
aberrant immune function of blood CD123+ (plasmacytoid) and CD11c+
(myeloid) dendritic cells in atopic dermatitis. J Immunol 2005;
174: 2396-403.
32 Wollenberg A, et al. Plasmacytoid dendritic cells:
a new cutaneous dendritic cell subset with distinct role in
inflammatory skin diseases. J Invest Dermatol 2002; 119:
1096-102.
33 Novak N, Bieber T. The role of dendritic cell
subtypes in the pathophysiology of atopic dermatitis. J Am Acad
Dermatol 2005; 53 (2 Suppl 2): S171-S176.
34 De Vries HJ, et al. Lichen planus is associated
with human herpesvirus type 7 replication and infiltration of
plasmacytoid dendritic cells. Br J Dermatol 2006; 154: 361-4.
35 de Vries HJ, et al. Lichen planus remission is
associated with a decrease of human herpes virus type 7 protein
expression in plasmacytoid dendritic cells. Arch Dermatol Res 2007;
299: 213-9.
36 Gerlini G, et al. Massive recruitment of type I
interferon producing plasmacytoid dendritic cells in varicella skin
lesions. J Invest Dermatol 2006; 126: 507-9.
37 Donaghy H, et al. Role for plasmacytoid dendritic
cells in the immune control of recurrent human herpes simplex virus
infection. J Virol 2009; 83: 1952-61.
38 Bontkes HJ, et al. Plasmacytoid dendritic cells are
present in cervical carcinoma and become activated by human
papillomavirus type 16 virus-like particles. Gynecol Oncol 2005;
96: 897-901.
39 Dhodapkar MV, Dhodapkar KM, Palucka AK.
Interactions of tumor cells with dendritic cells: balancing
immunity and tolerance. Cell Death Differ 2008; 15: 39-50.
40 Vermi W, et al. Recruitment of immature
plasmacytoid dendritic cells (plasmacytoid monocytes) and myeloid
dendritic cells in primary cutaneous melanomas. J Pathol 2003; 200:
255-68.
41 Salio M, et al. Plasmacytoid dendritic cells prime
IFN-gamma-secreting melanoma-specific CD8 lymphocytes and are found
in primary melanoma lesions. Eur J Immunol 2003; 33: 1052-62.
42 Bailly C, V.B. Diagnostic des tumeurs mélaniques cutanées.
Enseignement post universitaire.International Academy of pathology
French Division. 2005-2006.
43 Wenzel J, et al. Type I interferon-associated
recruitment of cytotoxic lymphocytes: a common mechanism in
regressive melanocytic lesions. Am J Clin Pathol 2005; 124:
37-48.
44 Palamara F, et al. Identification and
characterization of pDC-like cells in normal mouse skin and
melanomas treated with imiquimod. J Immunol 2004; 173: 3051-61.
45 Steinmann A, et al. Topical imiquimod treatment of
a cutaneous melanoma metastasis. J Am Acad Dermatol 2000; 43:
555-6.
46 Wolf IH, et al. Topical imiquimod in the treatment
of metastatic melanoma to skin. Arch Dermatol 2003; 139: 273-6.
47 Zeitouni NC, Dawson K, Cheney RT. Treatment of
cutaneous metastatic melanoma with imiquimod 5% cream and the
pulsed-dye laser. Br J Dermatol 2005; 152: 376-7.
48 Naylor MF, et al. Treatment of lentigo maligna with
topical imiquimod. Br J Dermatol 2003; 149 (Suppl 66): 66-70.
49 Balch CM, et al. Final version of the American
Joint Committee on Cancer staging system for cutaneous melanoma. J
Clin Oncol 2001; 19: 3635-48.
50 Molenkamp BG, et al. Intradermal CpG-B activates
both plasmacytoid and myeloid dendritic cells in the sentinel lymph
node of melanoma patients. Clin Cancer Res 2007; 13: 2961-9.
51 Molenkamp BG, et al. Local administration of
PF-3512676 CpG-B instigates tumor-specific CD8+ T-cell reactivity
in melanoma patients. Clin Cancer Res 2008; 14: 4532-42.
52 Urosevic M, et al. Mechanisms underlying
imiquimod-induced regression of basal cell carcinoma in vivo. Arch
Dermatol 2003; 139: 1325-32.
53 Geisse J, et al. Imiquimod 5% cream for the
treatment of superficial basal cell carcinoma: results from two
phase III, randomized, vehicle-controlled studies. J Am Acad
Dermatol 2004; 50: 722-33.
54 Stary G, et al. Tumoricidal activity of
TLR7/8-activated inflammatory dendritic cells. J Exp Med 2007; 204:
1441-51.
55 Hartmann E, et al. Identification and functional
analysis of tumor-infiltrating plasmacytoid dendritic cells in head
and neck cancer. Cancer Res 2003; 63: 6478-87.
56 Della Bella S, et al. Quantitative and functional
defects of dendritic cells in classic Kaposi’s sarcoma. Clin
Immunol 2006; 119: 317-29.
57 Arpinati M, et al. Role of plasmacytoid dendritic
cells in immunity and tolerance after allogeneic hematopoietic stem
cell transplantation. Transpl Immunol 2003; 11: 345-56.
58 Fugier-Vivier IJ, et al. Plasmacytoid precursor
dendritic cells facilitate allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell
engraftment. J Exp Med 2005; 201: 373-83.
59 Chaperot L, et al. Identification of a leukemic
counterpart of the plasmacytoid dendritic cells. Blood 2001; 97:
3210-7.
60 Jacob MC, et al. CD4+ CD56+ lineage negative
malignancies: a new entity developed from malignant early
plasmacytoid dendritic cells. Haematologica 2003; 88: 941-55.
61 Penven K, et al. Skin manifestations in CD4+, CD56+
malignancies. Eur J Dermatol 2003; 13: 161-5.
62 Bendriss-Vermare N, et al. In situ leukemic
plasmacytoid dendritic cells pattern of chemokine receptors
expression and in vitro migratory response. Leukemia 2004; 18:
1491-8.
63 Chaperot L, et al. Leukemic plasmacytoid dendritic
cells share phenotypic and functional features with their normal
counterparts. Eur J Immunol 2004; 34: 418-26.
64 Treilleux I, et al. Dendritic cell infiltration and
prognosis of early stage breast cancer. Clin Cancer Res 2004; 10:
7466-74.
65 Zou W, et al. Stromal-derived factor-1 in human
tumors recruits and alters the function of plasmacytoid precursor
dendritic cells. Nat Med 2001; 7: 1339-46.
66 Speiser DE, et al. Rapid and strong human CD8+ T
cell responses to vaccination with peptide, IFA, and CpG
oligodeoxynucleotide 7909. J Clin Invest 2005; 115: 739-46.
|