Upregulation of Lung Dendritic Cell Functions in Elastase-Induced Emphysema

<i>Background:</i> Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is now considered a chronic inflammatory disease. Although dendritic cells (DCs) are thought to play a key role in immune responses, studies investigating the role of DCs in COPD are quite limited. <i>Methods:</i> Porcine pancreas elastase was intratracheally administered to C57BL/6J mice on day 0. On days 2, 7 and 14, emphysema formation was evaluated by pressure-volume relationships and microscopic findings, including measurement of the mean linear intercept. Lung DCs were isolated on day 2, and their ability to stimulate allogeneic T cells and to produce cytokines was examined. <i>Results:</i> Pathologic emphysematous change was observed on day 2 and a significant increase in lung volume was observed on day 14. Lung DC function, such as the induction of T-cell proliferation and IL-10 production, was upregulated. <i>Conclusions:</i> Upregulation of DC function was observed in elastase-induced emphysema. Further investigation on the contribution to emphysema formation may provide a useful target for future therapy.