title: Dendritic cells and the control of immunity.
abstract: B and T lymphocytes are the mediators of immunity, but their function is under the control of dendritic cells. Dendritic cells in the periphery capture and process antigens, express lymphocyte co-stimulatory molecules, migrate to lymphoid organs and secrete cytokines to initiate immune responses. They not only activate lymphocytes, they also tolerize T cells to antigens that are innate to the body (self-antigens), thereby minimizing autoimmune reactions. Once a neglected cell type, dendritic cells can now be readily obtained in sufficient quantities to allow molecular and cell biological analysis. With knowledge comes the realization that these cells are a powerful tool for manipulating the immune system.
authors.affiliation: Baylor Institute for Immunology, Research, Baylor Research Institute, Dallas, Texas 75246, USA.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Banchereau
authors.forename: R M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Steinman
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D017951:Antigen Presentation; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D002465:Cell Movement; D003713:Dendritic Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology*; D005544:Forecasting; D006801:Humans; D007109:Immunity / Q000502:physiology*; D017634:Self Tolerance / Q000276:immunology; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology