TGF-β1 Induces Accumulation of Dendritic Cells in the Odontoblast Layer

• Published in: Journal of dental research Vol. 82; no. 8; pp. 652 - 656
• Main Authors: Farges, J.-C., Romeas, A., Melin, M., Pin, J.-J., Lebecque, S., Lucchini, M., Bleicher, F., Magloire, H.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: SAGE Publications 01.08.2003
• Subjects: TGF receptor; tooth pulp; chemokine; HLA-DR; immune response
• ISSN: 0022-0345; 1544-0591
• DOI: 10.1177/154405910308200816

TGF-β1 released from dentin degraded by bacterial or iatrogenic agents is suspected to influence dental pulp response, including the modulation of cell migration. To determine the consequences of TGF-β1 action on pulp immune cells, we analyzed, by immunohistochemistry, the effect of transdentinally diffusing TGF-β1 on their localization in a human tooth slice culture model. TGF-β1 induced an accumulation of HLA-DR-positive cells in both odontoblast and subodontoblast layers of the stimulated zone. Together with HLA-DR, these cells co-expressed Factor XIIIa and CD68, two features of immature antigen-presenting dendritic cells (DC), as well as the TGF-β1 specific receptor TβRII. In contrast, no effect could be detected on the localization of either mature DC-LAMP-positive DC or of T- and B-lymphocytes. Analysis of these data suggests that TGF-β1 released from dentin degraded by bacterial or iatrogenic agents could be involved in the immune response of the dental pulp resulting from tooth injury.