The unexpected contribution of conventional type 1 dendritic cells in driving antibody responses

Eur J Immunol. 2022 Feb;52(2):189-196. doi: 10.1002/eji.202149658. Epub 2021 Dec 19.

Abstract

Antibodies are hallmarks of most effective vaccines. For successful T-dependent antibody responses, conventional dendritic cells (cDC) have been largely attributed the role of priming T cells. By contrast, follicular dendritic cells and macrophages have been seen as responsible for B cell activation, due to their strategic location within secondary lymphoid tissues and capacity to present native antigen to B cells. This review summarizes the mounting evidence that cDC can also present native antigen to B cells. cDC2 have been the main subset linked to humoral responses, based largely on their favorable location, capacity to prime CD4+ T cells, and ability to present native antigen to B cells. However, studies using strategies to deliver antigen to receptors on cDC1, reveal this subset can also contribute to naïve B cell activation, as well as T cell priming. cDC1 location within lymphoid tissues reveals their juxtaposition to B cell follicles, with ready access to B cells for presentation of native antigen. These findings support the view that both cDC1 and cDC2 are capable of initiating humoral responses provided antigen is captured by relevant surface receptors attuned to this process. Such understanding is fundamental for the development of innovative humoral vaccination approaches.

Keywords: B cell activation; B cells; Clec9A; conventional dendritic cells (cDC); humoral immunity.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibody Formation*
  • Antigen Presentation*
  • B-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • Dendritic Cells / immunology*
  • Germinal Center / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Lymphocyte Activation*