This study aimed to investigate phenotypical and functional characteristics of dendritic cells (DCs) generated from monocytes of peripheral blood of healthy donors and cancer patients.Material and methods. DCs were used as natural adjuvants with antitumor vaccine as a part of combined treatment scheme for lung cancer patients. Phenotypical and functional characteristics of DCs were study using flow cytometry and real-time PCR.Results. We have found that in lung cancer patients generated DCs had moderate level of maturity and demonstrated more pronounced tolerogenic features in contrast to DCs of healthy donors (patients DCs had higher mRNA expression levels of suppressive molecules TGF-β and IDO, and secreted lower amount of bioactive IL-12 protein). Expression of CCR7 gene was particularly on the normal level in DCs of cancer patients which indicates on saving of migratory properties of these cells. Expression level of DC maturity marker CD83 increased after each subsequent vaccine administration, while the levels of TGF-β, IL-10 mRNAs to the end of vaccine therapy course decreased to the level observed in healthy donors DCs.Conclusion. Thus, the study of biological characteristics of DCs will help to improve and develop the most effective protocols for rational use of DC vaccines. These data indicate the need for further optimization of technologies of DC generation in patients with lung cancer with emphasis on the stimulation of Th1-polarizing properties by increasing cytokine-secreting potential.
Stage IIIA Pathologic N2 Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients May Maximize Benefit from Preoperative Radiotherapy: A Population-Based Study
