Dendritic cells and the control of immunity

J Banchereau, RM Steinman - Nature, 1998 - nature.com
J Banchereau, RM Steinman
Nature, 1998nature.com
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 …
Abstract
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.
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