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Normal human dermis contains distinct populations of CD11c+BDCA-1+ dendritic cells and CD163+FXIIIA+ macrophages
Lisa C. Zaba, … , James G. Krueger, Michelle A. Lowes
Lisa C. Zaba, … , James G. Krueger, Michelle A. Lowes
Published September 4, 2007
Citation Information: J Clin Invest. 2007;117(9):2517-2525. https://doi.org/10.1172/JCI32282.
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Research Article

Normal human dermis contains distinct populations of CD11c+BDCA-1+ dendritic cells and CD163+FXIIIA+ macrophages

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Abstract

We used a panel of monoclonal antibodies to characterize DCs in the dermis of normal human skin. Staining for the CD11c integrin, which is abundant on many kinds of DCs, revealed cells in the upper dermis. These cells were positive for blood DC antigen–1 (BDCA-1; also known as CD1c), HLA-DR, and CD45, markers that are also expressed by circulating myeloid DCs. A small subset of CD11c+ dermal cells expressed DEC-205/CD205 and DC-lysosomal–associated membrane glycoprotein/CD208 (DC-LAMP/CD208), suggesting some differentiation or maturation. When BDCA-1+ cells were selected from collagenase digests of normal dermis, they proved to be strong stimulators for T cells in a mixed leukocyte reaction. A second major population of cells located throughout the dermis was positive for factor XIIIA (FXIIIA), but lacked CD11c and BDCA-1. They expressed the macrophage scavenger receptor CD163 and stained weakly for HLA-DR and CD45. Isolated CD163+ dermal cells were inactive in stimulating T cell proliferation, but in biopsies of tattoos, these cells were selectively laden with granular pigments. Plasmacytoid DCs were also present in the dermis, marked by CD123 and BDCA-2. In summary, the normal dermis contains typical immunostimulatory myeloid DCs identified by CD11c and BDCA-1, as well as an additional population of poorly stimulatory macrophages marked by CD163 and FXIIIA.

Authors

Lisa C. Zaba, Judilyn Fuentes-Duculan, Ralph M. Steinman, James G. Krueger, Michelle A. Lowes

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Figure 1

FXIIIA+ and CD11c+ cells are unique dermal populations.

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FXIIIA+ and CD11c+ cells are unique dermal populations.
               
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(A) Immunohistochemistry on normal human skin using FXIIIA (left panel) and CD11c (right panel) antibodies (n = 15). FXIIIA+ cells were spread throughout the dermis, while CD11c+ cells were mainly localized to the superficial dermis. (B) There were similar numbers of CD11c+ and FXIIIA+ cells per mm in normal dermis. Error bars indicate SEM. (C) FXIIIA and CD11c identified 2 discrete populations. White lines denote dermo-epidermal junction. Scale bars: 100 μm.

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