Citation

We examined the effects of nicotine on differentiation and function of monocyte-derived human dendritic cells (DCs). NiDCs, which were the DCs differentiated in the presence of nicotine, showed lower levels of CD1a. Secretion of IL-12 and TNF- by lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated NiDCs was significantly suppressed compared to monocyte-derived DCs grown without nicotine. NiDCs displayed a diminished capacity to induce allogeneic T cell proliferation with a reduced production of IFN-, and maintained/enhanced LPS-mediated expression of coinhibitory molecules. Interestingly, NiDCs enhanced the expression of nuclear receptor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR ), which has immunomodulatory properties. Expression of PPAR and PPAR -target genes was significantly inhibited by pretreatment with d-tubocurarine, antagonist of non-selective nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR). In addition, reduction of Th1 responses was inhibited after blocking nAChR-mediated signal. These data suggest the effect of nicotine on altering DC immunogenicity by impeding Th1 immunity is partially mediated by upregulation of PPAR .