Nature, Vol.392, No.6673, 245-252, 1998
Dendritic cells and the control of immunity
B and T lymphocytes are the mediators of Immunity, but their function is under the control of dendritic cells. Dendritic cells in the periphery capture and process antigens, express lymphocyte co-stimulatory molecules, migrate to lymphoid organs and secrete cytokines to initiate immune responses, They not only activate lymphocytes, they also tolerize T cells to antigens that are Innate to the body (self-antigens), thereby minimizing autoimmune reactions. Once a neglected cell type, dendritic cells can now be readily obtained in sufficient quantities to allow molecular and cell biological analysis, With knowledge comes the realization that these cells are a powerful tool for manipulating the immune system.
Keywords:COLONY-STIMULATING FACTOR;TUMOR-NECROSIS-FACTOR;ANTIGENS IN-VIVO;C-KIT-LIGAND;CD4 T-CELLS;CLASS-II;HUMAN BLOOD;LANGERHANS CELLS;GERMINAL-CENTERS;INFLUENZA-VIRUS