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Antigen-Presenting Cells Under The Influence Of Alcohol, Audrey Lau, Gyongyi Szabo, Angus Thomson
Antigen-Presenting Cells Under The Influence Of Alcohol, Audrey Lau, Gyongyi Szabo, Angus Thomson
Gyongyi Szabo
The negative influence of alcohol (ethanol) and its metabolites on innate and adaptive immunity is well-recognized. Much attention has recently been focused on the impact of acute and chronic alcohol exposure on antigen-presenting cells (APC). In particular, insights have been gained into how the properties of human blood monocytes and rodent macrophages are influenced by alcohol in vitro and in vivo. Here, we review the impact of alcohol on various aspects of APC function and the underlying mechanisms, including its effects on intracellular signaling events. We also discuss new information regarding the influence of alcohol on various APC populations in …
Inhibition Of Antigen-Presenting Cell Functions By Alcohol: Implications For Hepatitis C Virus Infection, Gyongyi Szabo, Angela Dolganiuc, Pranoti Mandrekar, Bernadette White
Inhibition Of Antigen-Presenting Cell Functions By Alcohol: Implications For Hepatitis C Virus Infection, Gyongyi Szabo, Angela Dolganiuc, Pranoti Mandrekar, Bernadette White
Gyongyi Szabo
The mechanisms of alcohol-induced immunosuppression include defects in innate and adaptive immune responses. Monocytes and dendritic cells (DCs) link innate and adaptive immune responses as they recognize viral antigens and induce antigen-specific T-cell activation. We investigated the effects of alcohol on antigen-presenting cell functions. Acute alcohol consumption by healthy volunteers (vodka, 2 ml/kg) resulted in significantly reduced antigen-presenting cell function of monocyte-derived DCs. Reduced allostimulatory capacity of DCs treated with alcohol in vitro correlated with decreased co-stimulatory molecule (B7.1 and B7.2) expression, as well as with reduced interleukin (IL)-12 and increased IL-10 concentrations, in mixed lymphocyte cultures. Dendritic cells recognize …