Introduction: Accumulating data have shown that the microenvironment of dendritic cells modulates subtype differentiation, demonstrating a link between lipoproteins, PPARγ activation, and the differentiation and functional activity of CD1- and CD1a+ iDCs. We have previously established that CD99, a ubiquitous surface molecule expressed as two isoforms, could regulate CD1a expression in iDCs. The percentage of CD1a negative iDCs substantially varied among individuals, only 10% of healthy donors exhibit a very low percentage of CD1a positive iDCs. The goal of the present study was to characterize the mechanisms by which exogenous factors confer these effects. Methods: Monocyte from healthy donors or patients with lipid disorders were differentiated into iDCs and CD1a expression was analysed by flow cytometry. CD1a expression was analysed at both membrane and intracellular levels using western blot analysis and flow cytometry in healthy donnors. Then monocytes were differentiated to iDCs under differents conditions so that modify CD1a+/CD1a- cells balance. Results: We demonstrated that lipid disorders in patients shift DC differentiation to the development of CD1a− DCs and modulate DC activation through its inhibitory effect on CD1a+ DC differentiation. We suggest that beside activation of intracellular signaling the lipoproteins microenvironement is also crucial for CD1a regulation.
