Dendritic cells

Dendritic cells are a type of immune cell that play a crucial role in the body's immune system. They are primarily responsible for processing antigen material and presenting it on the cell surface to the T cells of the immune system. The interaction between a dendritic cell and a T cell can lead to a variety of immune responses, including the activation of T cells and the initiation of an immune response.

Function

Dendritic cells function as antigen-presenting cells. They process antigen material and present it on their surface to other cells of the immune system. That is, they function as messengers between the innate and the adaptive immune system.

Dendritic cells are present in those tissues that are in contact with the external environment, such as the skin (Langerhans cell) and the inner lining of the nose, lungs, stomach and intestines. They can also be found in an immature state in the blood.

Once activated, they migrate to the lymph nodes where they interact with T cells and B cells to initiate and shape the adaptive immune response. At certain development stages they grow branched projections, the dendrites that give the cell its name.

Development

Dendritic cells are derived from hematopoietic bone marrow progenitor cells. These progenitor cells initially transform into immature dendritic cells. These cells are characterized by high endocytic activity and low T-cell activation potential.

Immature dendritic cells constantly sample the surrounding environment for pathogens such as viruses and bacteria. This is done through pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) such as the toll-like receptors (TLRs). TLRs recognize specific chemical signatures found on subsets of pathogens. Once they have come into contact with a presentable antigen, they become activated into mature dendritic cells.

Clinical significance

Dendritic cells are used in research and clinical applications as they have the ability to induce and regulate immune responses. They are usually used for research purposes to improve cancer treatments, autoimmune diseases and transplant survival, as well as to prevent infectious diseases.

Dendritic cells Resources
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