title: Controlling the Toll road to dendritic cell polarization.
abstract: The activation of dendritic cells (DC) via Toll-like receptors (TLRs) plays a decisive role in shaping the outcome of primary immune responses. Following TLR engagement by microbial products, DC migrate from peripheral tissues to lymphoid organs and up-regulate major histocompatibility complex and costimulatory molecules, acquiring the unique capacity to prime pathogen-specific, naïve T cells. In addition, DC determine the character of the ensuing immune response by secreting cytokines that drive the development of T cells into T helper cell type 1 (Th1), Th2, or T regulatory effector cells. Three major factors influence the pattern of cytokines released by DC and accordingly, the Th balance: the lineage to which DC belong; the maturation stimulus; and inflammatory mediators present at the site of infection. A major focus of this review is the capacity of DC to integrate these factors and elicit distinct classes of immune responses.
authors.affiliation: Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA.
authors.forename: Alessandra
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Mazzoni
authors.forename: David M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Segal
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D017951:Antigen Presentation; D003713:Dendritic Cells / Q000166:cytology* / Q000276:immunology*; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007109:Immunity; D008407:Mast Cells / Q000276:immunology; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins / Q000276:immunology*; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface / Q000276:immunology*; D006377:T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / Q000276:immunology*; D051193:Toll-Like Receptors
chemical_list: D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface; D051193:Toll-Like Receptors