Combined use of toll-like receptor agonists and prostaglandin E2 in the FastDC model: Rapid generation of human monocyte-derived dendritic cells capable of migration and IL-12p70 production

Phenotypical maturation, IL-12p70 production and migration upon chemokine receptor CCR7 ligation are currently proposed as requirements for the use of human monocyte-derived dendritic cells (DC) in antitumoral vaccination. We have previously described a short-term protocol for DC generation from monocytes including stimulation with TNF-α, IL-1β and PGE2 (FastDC). These “conventional” FastDC are mature, migrate in response to CCR7 ligation and effectively stimulate autologeous T cells in vitro, but are deficient in IL-12p70 production. Here, conventional FastDC were compared to FastDC activated with different TLR ligands. High levels of IL-12p70 were induced by combined activation of FastDC with TLR4 and TLR7/8 ligands. IL-12 secretion could be maximized by additional T cell-derived stimulation. However, TLR-stimulated FastDC failed to migrate upon CCR7 ligation, independent of additional activation with CD40 ligand and IFN-γ. The presence of PGE2 during TLR ligation fully restored migratory capacity of FastDC, but left IL-12p70 production and activation of tumor antigen-specific cytotoxic T cells unaffected, challenging previous findings obtained with standard 7-day monocyte-derived DC. The FastDC model thus not only represents an effective tool for antitumoral vaccination, but may also provide novel insights into human DC biology.