title: Dendritic cells as danger-recognizing biosensors.
abstract: Dendritic cells (DCs) are antigen presenting cells that are characterized by a potent capacity to initiate immune responses. DCs comprise several subsets with distinct phenotypes. After sensing any danger(s) to the host via their innate immune receptors such as Toll-like receptors, DCs become mature and subsequently present antigens to CD4(+) T cells. Since DCs possess the intrinsic capacity to polarize CD4(+) helper cells, it is critical to understand the immunological roles of DCs for clinical applications. Here, we review the different DC subsets, their danger-sensing receptors and immunological functions. Furthermore, the cytokine reporter mouse model for studying DC activation is introduced.
authors.affiliation: Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, College of Life Science, Sejong University, Seoul, 143-747, Korea; E-Mails:  gimia@sejong.ac.kr  (M.G.);  spon13@naver.com  (W.I.).
authors.forename: Mia
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Gi
authors.forename: Wooseok
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Im
authors.forename: Seokmann
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hong