Interferon-producing cells: on the front line in immune responses against pathogens.
Interferon-producing cells (IPC) constitute a small population of leukocytes that secrete high levels of type I interferons in response to viruses. Although human IPC have been known for almost two decades, murine IPC have been identified only recently. Furthermore, it has been shown that IPC correspond to the enigmatic 'plasmacytoid cells' identified in human lymph nodes during infections. These breakthroughs have brought IPC to the attention of immunologists for their role in innate immunity and in shaping T cell responses. Here we review recent progress and outstanding questions in the field.
Colonna
Marco
M
Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, Box 8118, St Louis, MO 63110, USA. mcolonna@pathology.wustl.edu
Krug
Anne
A
Cella
Marina
M
D000818:Animals; D000938:Antigen-Presenting Cells / Q000276:immunology; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000276:immunology; D002455:Cell Division; D002465:Cell Movement; D029721:Drosophila Proteins; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007113:Immunity, Innate; D007239:Infections / Q000276:immunology*; D007372:Interferons / Q000502:physiology*; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000276:immunology; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins / Q000502:physiology; D051379:Mice; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000276:immunology; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface / Q000502:physiology; D051193:Toll-Like Receptors
D029721:Drosophila Proteins; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface; D051193:Toll-Like Receptors; D007372:Interferons