Intrinsic and cooperative antigen-presenting functions of dendritic-cell subsets in vivo.
Dendritic cells (DCs) comprise several subsets, and their roles in the presentation of antigens derived from pathogens, vaccines and self tissues are now beginning to be elucidated. Differences in location, life cycle and intrinsic abilities to capture, process and present antigens on their MHC class I and class II molecules enable each DC subset to have distinct roles in immunity to infection and in the maintenance of self tolerance. Unexpected interactions among DC subsets have also been revealed. These interactions, which allow the integration of the intrinsic abilities of different DC types, enhance the ability of the DC network to respond to multiple scenarios of infection.
Villadangos
José A
JA
The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3050, Australia. villadangos@wehi.edu.au
Schnorrer
Petra
P
D000818:Animals; D017951:Antigen Presentation / Q000276:immunology*; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D003713:Dendritic Cells / Q000145:classification* / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007108:Immune Tolerance / Q000276:immunology; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D018448:Models, Immunological