Shared pathway of WDFY4-dependent cross-presentation of immune complexes by cDC1 and cDC2
Suin Jo, Ray A. Ohara, Derek J. Theisen, Sun Kyung Kim, Tiantian Liu, Christopher B. Bullock, Michelle He, Feiya Ou, Jing Chen, Sytse J. Piersma, J. Luke Postoak, Wayne M. Yokoyama, Michael Diamond, Theresa L. Murphy, Kenneth M. Murphy
Abstract
Priming CD8+ T cells against tumors or viral pathogens results largely from cross-presentation of exogenous antigens by type 1 conventional dendritic cells (cDC1s). Although monocyte-derived DCs and cDC2s can cross-present in vitro, their physiological relevance remains unclear. Here, we used genetic models to evaluate the role of cDC subsets in presentation of cell-associated and immune complex antigens to CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in vivo. For cell-associated antigens, cDC1s were necessary and sufficient to prime both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. In contrast, for immune complex antigens, either cDC1 or cDC2, but not monocyte-derived DCs, could carry out cross-presentation to CD8+ T cells. Mice lacking cDC1 and vaccinated with immune complexes could cross-prime CD8+ T cells that were sufficient to mediate tumor rejection. Notably, this cross-presentation mediated by cDC2 was also WDFY4 dependent, similar to cross-presentation of cell-associated antigens by cDC1. These results demonstrate a previously unrecognized activity of WDFY4 in cDC2s and suggest a cross-presentation pathway shared by cDC subsets.