Effects of 17β-estradiol on the maturation and immunologic function of dendritic cells from human peripheral blood

AIM: To investigate the effects of 17β-estradiol (E2) on the maturation and immunologic function of dendritic cells from human peripheral blood. METHODS: Cultured DCs were treated with E2 at doses of 10-7 mol/L and 10-6 mol/L. The morphologic changes were observed under the scanning electronic microscope. The immunophenotype of DCs in control and treated groups was analyzed by flowcytometry. IL-12 production in culture supernatant was examined by ELISA assay. The capability of the stimulatory activity of the DCs on allogeneic T cells in mixed reaction was tested by incorporation of ［3H］-TdR. RESULTS: Compared with control group, DCs cultured in the presence of E2 displayed less dendritic pseudopod, expressed low levels of MHC-II, CD40, CD80 and CD86, and exhibited weakly activity in stimulating the proliferation of allogeneic T cells and reduction of IL-12 production. CONCLUSION: E2 exerts a negative effect on the maturation and immunologic function of dendritic cells from human peripheral blood.