Multinucleated giant cells (MGC) are characteristic cells in granulomatous disorders such as sarcoidosis and leprosy. There are two types of MGC; foreign body-type and Langhans-type cells. The exact mechanisms of the formation and the functional significance of MGC are not determined, although their morphological features are well understood. MGC are also formed in vitro from peripheral blood mononuclear cells by stimulation with cytokines and lectins. Particularly IFN-gamma is considered to play a pivotal role in monocyte fusion. IL-3, IL-4, IL-13, and GM-CSF are other reported cytokines involved in MGC formation. In addition to such inflammatory mediators, a factor derived from the pathogens of granulomatous disorders may be necessary for MGC formation. Muramyl dipeptide, a peptidoglycan portion of bacterial cell walls, is one of the candidates and can preferentially induce Langhans-type cells in in vitro MGC formation system. Although the exact mechanisms of in vitro MGC formation remains unknown, cell surface molecules such as P2X7 receptor, integrins, CD98, and macrophage fusion protein are considered to be involved in fusion process. Monocytes of sarcoidosis patients expressed higher levels of P2X7 and had a higher ability to induce MGC than those of healthy controls. Effective agents for sarcoidosis such as tranilast, alloprinol, and captopril inhibited in vitro MGC formation, suggesting their therapeutic effects through the direct effects on monocytes. Thus, an in vitro MGC formation model would be a useful tool to understand the relevance of MGC in granulomatous disorders.
BT - Nihon Hansenbyo Gakkai zasshi = Japanese journal of leprosy : official organ of the Japanese Leprosy Association C1 - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15508727?dopt=Abstract DA - 2004 Sep IS - 3 J2 - Nihon Hansenbyo Gakkai Zasshi LA - jpn N2 -Multinucleated giant cells (MGC) are characteristic cells in granulomatous disorders such as sarcoidosis and leprosy. There are two types of MGC; foreign body-type and Langhans-type cells. The exact mechanisms of the formation and the functional significance of MGC are not determined, although their morphological features are well understood. MGC are also formed in vitro from peripheral blood mononuclear cells by stimulation with cytokines and lectins. Particularly IFN-gamma is considered to play a pivotal role in monocyte fusion. IL-3, IL-4, IL-13, and GM-CSF are other reported cytokines involved in MGC formation. In addition to such inflammatory mediators, a factor derived from the pathogens of granulomatous disorders may be necessary for MGC formation. Muramyl dipeptide, a peptidoglycan portion of bacterial cell walls, is one of the candidates and can preferentially induce Langhans-type cells in in vitro MGC formation system. Although the exact mechanisms of in vitro MGC formation remains unknown, cell surface molecules such as P2X7 receptor, integrins, CD98, and macrophage fusion protein are considered to be involved in fusion process. Monocytes of sarcoidosis patients expressed higher levels of P2X7 and had a higher ability to induce MGC than those of healthy controls. Effective agents for sarcoidosis such as tranilast, alloprinol, and captopril inhibited in vitro MGC formation, suggesting their therapeutic effects through the direct effects on monocytes. Thus, an in vitro MGC formation model would be a useful tool to understand the relevance of MGC in granulomatous disorders.
PY - 2004 SP - 245 EP - 51 T2 - Nihon Hansenbyo Gakkai zasshi = Japanese journal of leprosy : official organ of the Japanese Leprosy Association TI - [Human monocyte-derived multinucleated giant cells]. VL - 73 SN - 1342-3681 ER -