Antimicrobial peptide LL-37 internalized by immature human dendritic cells alters their phenotype.
Bandholtz. L L; Ekman. G Jacobsson GJ; Vilhelmsson. M M; Buentke. E E; Agerberth. B B; Scheynius. A A; Gudmundsson. G H GH
Key Findings
- LL‑37 is taken up by immature dendritic cells via an energy‑dependent, dose‑and‑time‑dependent process
- LL‑37 can be found in both the cytoplasm and nucleus of these cells
- Exposure to LL‑37 raises the levels of immune‑activating molecules HLA‑DR and CD86 on the cells
Practical Outcomes
- LL‑37 may have immune‑boosting properties, but the research is early‑stage and done only in cell cultures. Biohackers should treat it as a mechanistic clue rather than a ready‑to‑use supplement, and wait for human safety and dosing studies before considering any protocols.
Summary
The study shows that the natural antimicrobial peptide LL‑37 can enter young immune cells called dendritic cells, even reaching their nucleus, and makes these cells show more markers that help kick‑start the body’s adaptive immune response. This was seen in lab dishes, not in people, and no dosing or safety info was given.
Abstract
The human cathelicidin LL-37 has been shown to be involved in the barrier function of the innate immunity, being released from specific cells upon challenge and exerting immunomodulatory effects. We here demonstrate that LL-37 affects immature dendritic cells, derived from human peripheral blood monocytes (MDDC). LL-37 is internalized by MDDC with subsequent localization primarily in the cytoplasmic compartment. However, LL-37 could also be detected in the nuclei of MDDC, suggesting that LL-37 may be transported into the nucleus. The uptake of LL-37 is dose, time and energy dependent, indicating that the observed internalization process involves an endocytic pathway. Incubation of immature MDDC with LL-37 caused phenotypic changes, characterized by an increased expression of the antigen-presenting molecule HLA-DR, and the costimulatory molecule CD86. Taken together, these findings suggest that LL-37 released upon triggering of the innate immunity, may affect cellular adaptive immunity through an interaction with immature dendritic cells.
Study Information
pubmed
2006
2006-06-01T00:00:00.000Z
10.1111/j.1365-3083.2006.001752.x
90
53