OBJECTIVESTo explore the feasibility of DC being in vitro induced from AML cells with cytokine cocktails and their biological properties.

METHODSAML cells were cultured in either presence or absence of cytokine cocktails. DC were studied for morphology, and cytochemical and immunofluorescent staining. Functions of DC were examined by MLC, FITC-conjugated dextran uptake test, and LDH release assay. RT-PCR and FISH were used to analyze the specific fusion genes of culture-derived DC.

RESULTSClassical DC morphological changes occurred in all 15 cultured AML cells. DC-associated surface molecules such as CD(1a), CD(80), CD(86), CD(106), CD(83) and HLA-DR were upregulated (P < 0.05). The allostimulatory abilities of culture-derived DC were significantly higher than those of AML cells uncultured or cultured in the absence of cytokines (P < 0.05). Culture-derived DC only in the presence of GM-CSF + IL-4 have phagocytotic activities. CTL assay was performed in 5 of the 15 samples. At effector/target ratio of 20:1, auto-T lymphocytes primed with the culture-derived DC exhibited no more killing activity to auto-AML cells than those stimulated by IL-2 or uncultured AML cells. Culture-derived DC presenced the native AML-specific aberrant karyotype and related fusion gene.

CONCLUSIONSCytokine cocktails could in vitro induce AML cells into DC with classical morphology, immunophenotype and function. DC maturity induced by different cytokine cocktails could be variable. Culture-derived DC were originated from the native AML cells. AML cells could make the auto-T lymphocyte anergy.