Potent induction of antibody-secreting B-cells by human dermal-derived CD14+ dendritic cells triggered by dual toll-like receptor ligation

Background A goal of HIV-1 vaccine development is to induce broadly neutralizing antibodies. However, the Env complex is poorly immunogenic and requires potent adjuvants. Given the pivotal role of TLRs and DCs in initiating and tuning adaptive immune responses, TLR agonists are attractive adjuvants. CD14+ dermal DCs (CD14+ DDCs) have a natural capacity to stimulate naive B-cells, so targeting these cells with TLR ligands is a rational approach to inducing humoral responses.