Corticosteroids depress IFN-alpha-producing plasmacytoid dendritic cells in human blood.

Shodell, M; Siegal, F P · J Allergy Clin Immunol · 2001

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

Glucocorticoids are strongly immunosuppressive and are associated with reactivation of some intracellular infections. The plasmacytoid dendritic cell is a rare blood mononuclear cell detected through its production of IFN-alpha in response to herpes simplex virus and by surface immunophenotyping. We here report that steroid administration results in a decrease of IFN-alpha generation of approximately 25-fold, accompanied by reduction in circulating plasmacytoid dendritic cell numbers. Both parameters return to normal within days after steroid cessation.

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