Dendritic cells and the control of immunity.

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.

Journal

Journal ID (iso-abbrev): Nature

Title: Nature

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

ISSN: 0028-0836

ISSN (Print): 0028-0836

Publication date (Electronic): Mar 19 1998

Volume: 392

Issue: 6673

Affiliations

[1 ] Baylor Institute for Immunology, Research, Baylor Research Institute, Dallas, Texas 75246, USA.

Article

DOI: 10.1038/32588

PubMed ID: 9521319

SO-VID: 25bacd6b-6898-49dd-b0d5-e3a06c5203d8