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A molecule with a relatively simple chemical structure, resveratrol has been found to interact with multiple molecular targets, many of them associated with inflammation and immunity. Indeed, it has been shown to act directly on central players of both innate and adaptive immunity, such as macrophages, lymphocytes, and dendritic cells. In addition, there is very little evidence suggesting significant deleterious side effects of resveratrol, further highlighting its potential future use as a therapeutic agent. This review provides an up-to-date discussion on recent advances regarding anti-inflammatory effects of resveratrol, mechanisms of action, and its potential for therapeutic use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monocyte-derived dendritic cells (DCs) are considered an indispensible and one of primary tools for in vitro DC-based studies. For majority of in vitro DC-based studies the medium of choice is supplemented RPMI, with certain variable ingredients such as HEPES buffer or Phenol Red (PHR). In effort to identify potential obstruction of DC differentiation process due to presence of mentioned additives, we differentiated DCs using RPMI either with or without HEPES or PHR. Although PHR caused a certain down-regulation of immature DCs (iDCs) differentiation markers and lower expression of co-stimulatory molecules on mature DCs, these changes were not significant. In contrast, use of RPMI also containing HEPES resulted in significantly lower CD1a and DC-SIGN expression on iDCs and extensively lowered co-stimulatory molecule expression after DC activation (HEPES-DCs). Furthermore, DCs differentiated in HEPES-free RPMI possessed more genuine immature//mature DC characteristics in context of Th1 polarization. Additionally, during classical differentiation procedure, fewer DCs remained adherent and possessed better overall morphology in HEPES-free medium. In summary our study clarifies a seemingly minor, but a very important issue, that will most likely facilitate lab work for many scientists dealing with monocyte-derived DCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dendritic cells (DCs) constitute a unique set of antigen-presenting cells (APCs), equipped with the potential to initiate strong immune responses as well as to critically regulate immunity. Tolerogenic or 'alternatively activated' DCs show remarkable properties in regulating immune responses both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, tolerogenic DCs are now beginning to be tested in clinical studies. Use of pharmacological agents to induce maturation-resistant tolerogenic DCs is a popular approach. In this review, we will discuss already recognized, as well as recently discovered, potential pharmacological agents, their mechanism of action, and the way in which they induce tolerance in DCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]