Immune Netw.  2005 Jun;5(2):105-109. 10.4110/in.2005.5.2.105.

The Expression of Galectin-3, a Beta-Galactoside Binding Protein, in Dendritic Cells

• Kim MH
• Joo HG

• KMID: 2150604
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4110/in.2005.5.2.105

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Dendritic cells (DCs) are the most potent APCs (antigen-presenting cells) and play a critical role in immune responses. Galectin-3 is a biological lectin with a beta-galactoside binding affinity. Recently, proteomic analysis revealed the presence of galectin-3 in the exosome of mature DCs. However, the expression and function of galectin-3 in DCs remains unclear yet. METHODS: We used bone marrow-derived DCs of mouse and showed the expression of galectin-3 in DCs by using flow cytometry analysis and Western blot analysis. RESULTS: Galectin-3 was determined as single band of 35 kDa in Western blot analysis. Flow cytometry analysis showed the major growth factor for DCs, granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and maturing agents, anti-CD40 monoclonal antibody (mAb) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) consistently increased the intracellular expression of galectin-3 in DCs compared to medium alone. In addition, DCs treated with maturing agents did marginally express galectin-3 on their surface. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that galectin-3 in DCs may be regulated by critical factors for DC function.

Keyword

Dendritic cells; galectin-3; viability; proliferaion

MeSH Terms

Animals
Blotting, Western
Carrier Proteins*
Colony-Stimulating Factors
Dendritic Cells*
Flow Cytometry
Galectin 3*
Mice
Carrier Proteins
Colony-Stimulating Factors
Galectin 3