Angiotensin II Regulates Dendritic Cells through Activation of NF-κB /p65, ERK1/2 and STAT1 Pathways.

BACKGROUND: Activation of dendritic cells (DCs) is necessary to initiate immune responses. Angiotensin II (Ang II) has been reported to have a proinflammatory and immunomodulatory function. However, the role of Ang II in regulation of DCs and the underlying mechanisms remain illdefined.

METHODS: The effects of Ang II on the proliferation, maturation, phagocytosis, migration, and communication with T cells of DCs were analysed utilizing MTT, flow cytometry, ELISA, transwell assay and mixed lymphocyte culture.

RESULTS: We found that Ang II treatment significantly inhibited proliferation and phagocytic activity of DCs, but promoted the DC maturation and migration well as the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines by DCs. In addition, Ang II also stimulated DC-mediated T cell proliferation. These effects were associated with activation of p65/NF-κB, ERK1/2 and STAT1 signaling pathways in DCs.

CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate that Ang II activates DCs partially through p65/NF-κB, ERK1/2 and STAT1 pathways, and suggest a potential therapeutic target of DC-mediated inflammatory disorders.