title: A dendritic cell primer for oncology nurses.
abstract: Once believed to be part of the nervous system, dendritic cells (DCs) now are known to be potent antigen-presenting cells of the immune system. Upon capturing a foreign antigen, the immature DC matures as it travels to the T cells to activate an immune response. DCs can be categorized into two main subsets: DC1s and DC2s. DC1s, also called myeloid-related DCs, arise from early-precursor cells or monocytes and play a role in initiating immune responses against antigens such as cancer cells. Various cytokines stimulate the growth and differentiation of DCs, such as granulocyte macrophage-colony-stimulating factor. DC research is evolving rapidly as a clinical therapy; therefore, nurses should appreciate the cell's mechanisms of action.
authors.forename: Elaine S
authors.initials: ES
authors.lastname: DeMeyer
authors.forename: Patricia C
authors.initials: PC
authors.lastname: Buchsel
mesh_terms: D003713:Dendritic Cells / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D016178:Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans; D011994:Recombinant Proteins
chemical_list: D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D016178:Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor