IMMUNOLOGY Retraction for “B7-DC cross-linking restores antigen uptake and augments antigen-presenting cell function by matured dendritic cells” by Suresh Radhakrishnan, Esteban Celis, and Larry R. Pease, which appeared in issue 32, August 9, 2005, of Proc Natl Acad Sci USA (102:11438–11443; first published online August 1, 2005; doi: 10.1073/pnas.0501420102). The authors wish to note the following: “After a re-examination of key findings underlying the reported conclusions that B7-DCXAb is an immune modulatory reagent, we no longer believe this is the case. Using blinded protocols we re-examined experiments purported to demonstrate the activation of dendritic cells, activation of cytotoxic T cells, induction of tumor immunity, modulation of allergic responses, breaking tolerance in the RIP-OVA diabetes model, and the reprogramming of Th2 and T regulatory cells. Some of these repeated studies were direct attempts to reproduce key findings in the manuscript cited above. In no case did these repeat studies reveal any evidence that the B7-DCXAb reagent had the previously reported activity. In the course of this re-examination, we were able to study all the antibodies used in the various phases of our work spanning the last 10 years. None of these antibodies appears to be active in any of our repeat assays. We do not believe something has happened recently to the reagent changing its potency. Therefore, the authors seek to retract this work.”
Suresh Radhakrishnan
Esteban Celis
Larry R. Pease