Dendritic cells in autoimmunity, infections, and cancer

Excerpt

Dendritic cells (DCs) play a central role in the control of the adaptive immune response. DCs drive the differentiation of effector T cells (Teffs) that fight off pathogens, but the dysregulated activity of Teffs can result in immunopathology and autoimmune disorders. Consequently, it is not surprising that DCs also promote the development of regulatory T cells (Tregs) that suppress harmful immune responses. Thus, DCs play a central role in the control of the T cell response, providing an attractive target for immunotherapy (Fig. 1). This issue of Seminars in Immunopathology focuses on the role of DCs in the control of the immune response in the context of autoimmunity, infections and cancer, and their potential as targets for therapeutic intervention.

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