Differential expression of cell surface markers in response to 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene in RAW 264.7 and primary immune cells

We evaluated the expression of the costimulatory molecules CD80 and CD83 and major histocompatibility (MHC) class Ⅱ induced by 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB) in the RAW 264.7 macrophage cell line. In contrast to the previously reported effect of DNFB on dendritic cells, CD86 expression did not change. Furthermore, we observed that the CD83 expression level transiently increased and then decreased. Induction of CD80 and MHC class Ⅱ molecule expression and a decrease in CD83 expression by DNFB in vitro were also confirmed in splenocytes of BALB/c and NC/Nga mice. However, DNFB did not influence CD83 expression in peritoneal CD11b+ cells from BALB/c or NC/Nga mice. Detailed in vivo experiments and further studies on the possible contribution of CD11b+ cells to induce atopic dermatitis (AD) would be helpful to attain a better understanding of AD pathogenesis.