IFN-γ and R-848 dependent activation of human monocyte-derived dendritic cells by Neisseria meningitidis adhesin A

A soluble recombinant form of Neisseria meningitidis adhesin A (NadA Delta 351-405), proposed as a constituent of anti-meningococcal B vaccines, is here shown to specifically interact with and immune-modulate human monocyte-derived dendritic cells (mo-DCs). After priming with IFN-gamma and stimulation with NadA Delta 351-405, mo-DCs strongly up-regulated maturation markers CD83, CD86, CD80, and HLA-DR, secreted moderate quantities of TNF-alpha, IL-6, and IL-8, and produced a slight, although significant, amount of IL-12p70. Costimulation of mo-DCs with NadA Delta 351-405 and the imidoazoquinoline drug R-848, believed to mimic bacterial RNA, increased CD86 in an additive way, but strongly synergized the secretion of IL-12p70, IL-1, IL-6, TNF-a, and MIP-1 alpha, especially after IFN-gamma priming. CD86/CD80 overexpression correlated with the occupation of high-(k(d) similar to 80 nM) and low-(k(d) similar to 4 mu M) affinity binding sites for NadA Delta 351-405. Alternatively, secretion of IL-12p70 and TNF-a, IL-6, and IL-8 corresponded to the occupation of high- or low-affinity receptors, respectively. Mo-DCs matured by IFN-gamma and NadA Delta 351-405 supported the proliferation of naive CD4(+) T lymphocytes, inducing the differentiation of both IFN-gamma and IL-4 producing phenotypes. Our data show that NadA not only is a good immunogen but is as well endowed with a proimmune, self-adjuvating, activity.