Cytokine mRNA and protein responses of bone marrow-derived dendritic cells after in vitro stimulations with Mycoplasma pulmonis

Dendritic cells are potent antigen presenting cells that appear to contribute significantly to the immune response to Mycoplasma pulmonis. This role is likely defined by the distinct cytokine profiles of these cells. Using a quantitative real-time PCR assay, we examined cytokine mRNA responses in vitro of bone marrow-derived dendritic cells to M. pulmonis. Distinct cytokine patterns were generated in mycoplasma-stimulated dendritic cells; IL-12p40 and IL-10 were predominately expressed, while IFN-gamma was not significantly expressed. Protein levels were also examined and compared to the mRNA levels, and mRNA and protein expression for IL-12p40 correlated significantly. Therefore, there are distinct cytokine profiles produced by mycoplasma-stimulated dendritic cells, and these profiles could help determine dendritic cells' involvement in mycoplasma disease pathogenesis.