Solar inactivated Vibrio cholerae induces maturation of JAWS II dendritic cell line in vitro.

Solar disinfection (SODIS) has been shown to reduce the risk associated with the contraction of water borne diseases such as cholera. However, little or no research has been undertaken in exploring the role played by the immune system following the consumption of solar inactivated water pathogens. This study investigated the potential for solar inactivatedVibrio choleraeto induce the maturation of dendritic cellsin vitro. Dendritic cells are professional antigen presenting cells found in mammals. However, only in their mature form are dendritic cells able to play their role towards a long lasting immune response. Three strains ofV. choleraewere solar irradiated for 7 hours. Thereafter, the solar irradiated, non-solar irradiated, phosphate buffered saline prepared and heat/chemically inactivated cultures ofV. choleraeas well as lipopolysaccharide and cholerae toxin-beta subunit were used to stimulate immature dendritic cells. After 48 hours, the dendritic cells were assessed for the expression of CD54, CD80, CD83, CD86, MHC-I and MHC-II cell surface markers. Results show that solar inactivatedV. choleraewas able to induce maturation of the dendritic cellsin vitro. These findings suggest that there may be an immunological benefit in consuming SODIS treated water.