title: Dendritic cell homeostasis in the regulation of self-reactivity.
abstract: Dendritic cells (DC) are known for their remarkable ability to induce specific T cell responses. However, the existing views on the role of DC in maintaining tolerance to self-antigens and induction of autoimmunity are somewhat controversial especially when the basic physiology of DC migration, function and homeostasis is considered. This review attempts to provide a comprehensive overview on these topics with particular emphasis on DC homeostasis and presents implications for the generation of pathological autoimmune T cell responses. Furthermore, we advocate the need for a conceptual characterization of the immune system operating in vivo. With particular focus on the contribution of DC, we suggest that a 'spatiotemporal' view of the rules for T cell responses (antigen dose and availability, duration and mode of antigen presentation) permits a better understanding of the relevant factors contributing to the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland. Burkhard.Ludewig@kssg.ch
authors.forename: Burkhard
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Ludewig
authors.forename: Philippe
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Krebs
authors.forename: Tobias
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Junt
authors.forename: Gennady
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Bocharov
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D015551:Autoimmunity / Q000276:immunology*; D003713:Dendritic Cells / Q000276:immunology*; D006706:Homeostasis / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans