TLR7/8 agonists trigger immunostimulatory properties of human 6-sulfo LacNAc dendritic cells

Imiquimod and resiquimod represent Toll-like receptor (TLR) 7 and 8 agonists, which emerged as attractive candidates for tumor therapy. To elucidate immune cells, which mainly contribute to TLR7/8-mediated antitumoral activity, we investigated the impact of imiquimod and resiquimod on native human 6-sulfo LacNAc (slan) dendritic cells (DCs). We found that both TLR7/8 agonists significantly improve the release of various proinflammatory cytokines by slanDCs and promote their tumor-directed cytotoxic activity. Furthermore, resiquimod efficiently augmented the ability of slanDCs to stimulate T cells and natural killer cells. These results indicate that imiquimod and resiquimod trigger various immunostimulatory properties of slanDCs, which may contribute to their antitumor effects.

► Imiquimod and resiquimod enhance the secretion of various proinflammatory cytokines by slanDCs. ► Imiquimod and resiquimod augment the tumor-directed cytotoxic activity of slanDCs. ► Resiquimod improves slanDC-mediated stimulation of T lymphocytes. ► Resiquimod enhances the ability of slanDCs to activate natural killer cells. ► Imiquimod and resiquimod trigger various immunostimulatory properties of slanDCs.