Dectin-1 Promotes Fungicidal Activity of Human Neutrophils
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2-1-2007
Description
Human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) are a first line of defense against fungal infections. PMN express numerous pattern recognition receptors (PRR) that facilitate identification of invading microorganisms and ultimately promote resolution of disease. Dectin-1 (β-glucan receptor) is a PRR expressed on several cell types and has been studied on monocytes and macrophages. However, the role played by dectin-1 in the recognition and killing of fungi by PMN is unknown. We investigated the ability of dectin-1 to mediate human PMN phagocytosis and fungicidal activity. Dectin-1 was expressed on the surface of PMN from all subjects tested (n=29) and in an intracellular compartment that co-sedimented with azurophilic granules in Percoll density gradients. Soluble β-glucan and mAb GE2 (anti-dectin-1) inhibited binding and phagocytosis of zymosan by human PMN (e.g., ingestionwas inhibited 40.1% by 3O min, p<0.001), and blocked reactive oxygen species production. Notably, soluble β-glucan and GE2 inhibited phagocytosis and killing of Candida albicans by PMN (inhibition of killing was 54.8% for β-glucan and 36.2% for GE2, p<0.01). Our results reveal a mechanism whereby PMN dectin-1 plays a key role in the recognition and killing of fungal pathogens by the innate immune system.
Citation Information
Kennedy, Adam D.; Willment, Janet A.; Dorward, David W.; Williams, David L.; Brown, Gordon D.; and DeLeo, Frank R.. 2007. Dectin-1 Promotes Fungicidal Activity of Human Neutrophils. European Journal of Immunology. Vol.37(2). 467-478. https://doi.org/10.1002/eji.200636653 PMID: 17230442 ISSN: 0014-2980