Single-cell RNA sequencing distinguishes dendritic cell subsets in the rat, allowing advanced characterization of the effects of FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 ligand

Tissue-resident dendritic cells (DCs) are essential for immunological homeostasis and hold promise for a variety of therapeutic interventions. The rare nature of tissue-resident DCs and their suboptimal description in the lab rat model has limited their characterization. To address this limitation, FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 ligand (FLT3L) has been utilized to expand these population in vitro and in vivo for investigative or therapeutic purposes. However, conflicting reports have suggested that FLT3L can either promote immune tolerance or enhance immunogenicity, necessitating clarification of the effects of FLT3L on DC phenotype and functionality. We first paired single-cell RNA sequencing with multicolour spectral flow cytometry to provide an updated strategy for the identification of tissue-resident classical and plasmacytoid DCs in the rat model. We then administered FLT3L to Lewis rats in vivo to investigate its effect on tissue-resident DC enumeration and phenotype in the liver, spleen, and mesenteric lymph nodes. We found that FLT3L expands classical DCs (cDCs) 1 and 2 in a dose-dependent manner and that cDC1 and cDC2 in secondary lymphoid organs had altered MHC I, MHC II, CD40, CD80, CD86, and PD-L1 cell-surface expression levels following FLT3L administration. These changes were accompanied by an increase in gene expression levels of toll-like receptors 2, 4, 7, and 9 as well as inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-alpha. In conclusion, FLT3L administration in vivo increases cDC enumeration in the liver, spleen, and mesenteric lymph nodes accompanied by a tissue-restricted alteration in expression of antigen presentation machinery and inflammatory mediators.

Automated summary

This study provides an updated strategy for the identification and analysis of tissue-resident dendritic cells in the rat model using single-cell RNA sequencing and multicolour spectral flow cytometry. It demonstrates that FLT3L administration can increase the number of tissue-resident dendritic cells and alter their expression of surface markers.