Isolation and characterization of dendritic cells from adenoids of children with otitis media with effusion.

Dendritic cells were enriched from adenoids of children with otitis media with effusion (OME) by density gradient centrifugation and culture techniques. An enrichment of 40-140-fold was obtained for dendritic cells. These cells were identified using morphology, enzyme cytochemistry, immunocytochemistry and functional criteria. Dendritic cells could be easily distinguished from macrophages. It appeared that the MoAb EBM11 (CD68) discriminated between dendritic cells and macrophages; in dendritic cells this activity was localized in a spot, whereas in macrophages it was found throughout the whole cytoplasm. The fractions enriched with dendritic cells showed a strong stimulatory effect on allogeneic T cells. These responses were MHC class II dependent since they could be blocked by anti-HLA-DR/DQ MoAbs. The data clearly show that dendritic cells from adenoids of children with OME still have functional capacities.