Antigen-presentation properties of plasmacytoid dendritic cells

Immunity. 2008 Sep 19;29(3):352-61. doi: 10.1016/j.immuni.2008.09.002.

Abstract

One of the remaining enigmas of the dendritic cell (DC) network is the potential contribution of plasmacytoid DCs (pDCs) to antigen presentation. Although the antigen-presentation capacity of conventional DCs (cDCs) is clearly defined, pDCs are generally attributed as having little, if any, antigen-presentation function. Instead, pDCs are regarded as immunomodulating cells, capable of directing the immune response through their secretion of large amounts of type I interferons. In this review, we examine the evidence for a potential role of pDC in antigen capture, processing, and presentation to T cells at sites of infection and in the lymph nodes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antigen Presentation*
  • Cell Movement
  • Cross-Priming
  • Dendritic Cells / immunology*
  • Dendritic Cells / physiology
  • Humans
  • Infections / immunology*
  • Lymph Nodes / immunology
  • Lymphocyte Activation
  • Major Histocompatibility Complex / immunology*
  • Peptides / immunology
  • Peptides / metabolism
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • T-Lymphocytes / metabolism

Substances

  • Peptides