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Antigen-presenting cells in the disease-free brain have been identified primarily by expression of antigens such as CD11b, CD11c, and MHC II, which can be shared by dendritic cells (DCs), microglia, and monocytes. In this study, starting with the criterion of Flt3 (FMS-like receptor tyrosine kinase 3)-dependent development, we characterize the features of authentic DCs within the meninges and choroid plexus in healthy mouse brains. Analyses of morphology, gene expression, and antigen-presenting function established a close relationship between meningeal and choroid plexus DCs (m/chDCs) and spleen DCs. DCs in both sites shared an intrinsic requirement for Flt3 ligand. Microarrays revealed differences in expression of transcripts encoding surface molecules, transcription factors, pattern recognition receptors, and other genes in m/chDCs compared with monocytes and microglia. Migrating pre-DC progenitors from bone marrow gave rise to m/chDCs that had a 5-7-d half-life. In contrast to microglia, DCs actively present self-antigens and stimulate T cells. Therefore, the meninges and choroid plexus of a steady-state brain contain DCs that derive from local precursors and exhibit a differentiation and antigen-presenting program similar to spleen DCs and distinct from microglia.

Original publication

DOI

10.1084/jem.20102657

Type

Journal article

Journal

J Exp Med

Publication Date

01/08/2011

Volume

208

Pages

1695 - 1705

Keywords

Adoptive Transfer, Animals, Choroid Plexus, Dendritic Cells, Female, Flow Cytometry, Half-Life, Meninges, Mice, Mice, Inbred C57BL, Mice, Transgenic, Microarray Analysis, Microglia, Monocytes, Receptors, Pattern Recognition, Transcription Factors, fms-Like Tyrosine Kinase 3