title: The CD8+ dendritic cell subset.
abstract: Mouse lymphoid tissues contain a subset of dendritic cells (DCs) expressing CD8 alpha together with a pattern of other surface molecules that distinguishes them from other DCs. These molecules include particular Toll-like receptor and C-type lectin pattern recognition receptors. A similar DC subset, although lacking CD8 expression, exists in humans. The mouse CD8(+) DCs are non-migrating resident DCs derived from a precursor, distinct from monocytes, that continuously seeds the lymphoid organs from bone marrow. They differ in several key functions from their CD8(-) DC neighbors. They efficiently cross-present exogenous cell-bound and soluble antigens on major histocompatibility complex class I. On activation, they are major producers of interleukin-12 and stimulate inflammatory responses. In steady state, they have immune regulatory properties and help maintain tolerance to self-tissues. During infection with intracellular pathogens, they become major presenters of pathogen antigens, promoting CD8(+) T-cell responses to the invading pathogens. Targeting vaccine antigens to the CD8(+) DCs has proved an effective way to induce cytotoxic T lymphocytes and antibody responses.
authors.affiliation: The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia. shortman@wehi.edu.au
authors.forename: Ken
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Shortman
authors.forename: William R
authors.initials: WR
authors.lastname: Heath
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D017951:Antigen Presentation; D015703:Antigens, CD / Q000276:immunology; D016827:CD8 Antigens / Q000276:immunology*; D018414:CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D019070:Cell Lineage / Q000276:immunology; D003141:Communicable Diseases / Q000276:immunology; D016207:Cytokines / Q000276:immunology; D003713:Dendritic Cells / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007108:Immune Tolerance; D039001:Integrin alpha Chains / Q000276:immunology; D008221:Lymphoid Tissue / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D051379:Mice; D010641:Phenotype; D051192:Receptors, Pattern Recognition / Q000276:immunology; D014157:Transcription Factors / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D015703:Antigens, CD; D016827:CD8 Antigens; D016207:Cytokines; D039001:Integrin alpha Chains; D051192:Receptors, Pattern Recognition; D014157:Transcription Factors; C091367:alpha E integrins