Soluble CD163 modulates cytokine production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells stimulated by Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus allergens in vitro

PurposeThe CD163 is a scavenger receptor expressed exclusively on monocytes/macrophages which has been shown to exert anti-inflammatory effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of exogenous sCD163 on production of selected cytokines by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of house dust mite allergic patients (AAPs) stimulated in vitro with Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Dp) allergens.Patients and methodsThe study was performed in 24 AAPs and 12 healthy control subjects (HCs). Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were cultured for up to 144 h (T144) in the presence of Dp extract with or without sCD163. Concentration of interleukin (IL) – 10, IL-13 and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) was evaluated in the cell culture supernatants using ELISA. Expression of the selected cytokines was evaluated in cell culture lysates using Taqman-based real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).ResultsDp-stimulated PBMC from AAPs released more IL-10 and IL-13 than those from HCs. The greatest up-regulation of IL-10 expression was seen at T6, while that of IL-13 was delayed. Soluble CD163 augmented production of IL-10 in response to Dp stimulation. No significant effect of sCD163 on production of IL-13 and IL-10 by PBMC of HCs could be demonstrated.ConclusionsIn AAPs sCD163 modulates the immune response to Dp allergens potentiating anti-inflammatory, homeostatic mechanisms.