OBJECTIVETo explore the relationship between the expression of the nuclear factor-kappaB transcription factor RelB gene and the surface molecules in DC2.4 cell line.

METHODSDC2.4 cell line was cultured in complete RPMI 1640 medium, whose morphology was observed with optical microscope and the intracellular structures with transmission electron microscope. Flow cytometry was performed to analyze the surface markers of the cells, including MHC-II, CD86 and CD40, and RelB mRNA expression was detected by RT-PCR.

RESULTSUnder optical microscope, the cells appeared irregular in shape with obvious dendritic cell processes, and electron microscopy revealed homogenous fat drops and phagocytic vesicles in the cytoplasm. Flow cytometry demonstrated low expression levels of MHC-II and CD40, but high level of CD86 molecules. Low-level expression of RelB mRNA was detected by RT-PCR, resembling its expression level in bone marrow-derived DC with immature phenotype.

CONCLUSIONDC2.4 is a mouse bone marrow dendritic cell line with strong phagocytic capacity, and the low expression of both RelB gene and surface CD40 molecules suggests an immature dendritic cell line.